Another Duff Performance!

Last updated : 16 March 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

But he says he is determined to demonstrate his worth to the Gallowgate cause after outlining his intention to prove wrong those who have questioned his contribution in a black-and-white shirt.

When Glenn Roeder said a couple of weeks ago, "Damien is still playing catch-up because he missed out on the pre-season", we were left wondering what the hell he was on about.

If a player missed out on a holiday because he was involved in the World Cup and went straight into training for the InterToto Cup, fair enough. But to suggest in MARCH ... that a player is suffering because he had a longer holiday in JULY than the rest of the lads ... lay off!

Duff: "When you join a new club, a big club, you're desperate to show your worth straight away, to prove to everyone what you can do, but obviously that didn't happen for me. It's really frustrating but I have to get over that, keep working hard and show the fans what I'm all about. I'm determined to do that.

"I've had a lot of injury problems this season which haven't helped me, I haven't been fully fit or completely match sharp when I've played.

"But I've put in a lot of hard work on the training ground with (assistant manager) Nigel Pearson, working on certain things, and that seems to be starting to pay off.

"I feel really sharp now. I came into this season without a proper pre-season behind me and I don't think a lot of people realise that or see what it means. I've had a lot of niggles throughout the year and I was never sharp, which was obvious to see. But I would like to think that I'm feeling more like my normal self now and I hope that has shown.

"I had a virus which lasted for 10 days or so and that knocked the wind out of my sails a wee bit, but I feel grand and raring to go now. There are no problems and I feel fit and good."

Duff once again failed to make an impact on Thursday evening, substituted at the DSB Stadion as United lost 2-0.