Duff confident of upset

Duff: Ready for challenge

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Teams

• Republic of Ireland

Players

• Damien Duff

Also see

• Andy Gray
• Paul Merson
• Chris Kamara
• Peter Beagrie
• Phil Thompson

Damien Duff admits Republic of Ireland are facing an 'uphill task' to qualify for the World Cup, but is confident he and his team-mates can upset France.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side will take on Les Bleus in Paris on Wednesday in the second leg of their play-off to reach South Africa in 2010.

Republic trail 1-0 on aggregate after a deflected Nicolas Anelka goal gave France victory at Croke Park on Saturday evening.

But Fulham midfielder Duff believes he and his international team-mates can record a shock result at the Stade de France.

Asked if it would be the nation's greatest result, Duff said: "Ever, without doubt.

"We have taken an awful lot of positives out of Saturday. Other people may not have but we think we can go there and do it."

Rare experience

Former Blackburn, Chelsea and Newcastle man Duff confesses it is a rare personal experience to be trailing at the midway point in a two-legged tie.

He said: "I was actually thinking about that this morning first thing when I woke up.

"I don't think I have gone away behind looking to resurrect a tie so to speak, so it's new to me and I am sure it's new to an awful lot of the lads.

"We just have to go there and enjoy it. We still think we can do it, so bring it on.

"We have obviously given ourselves an uphill task. Away goals are a massive thing in football but, if we go over there and nick one, it is game on again.

"We are all confident we can go and do it. You have to be."