Given backs Duff for Toon stardom
Given backs Duff for Toon stardom
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Monday, 31, Jul 2006 09:40
Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has predicted new signing Damien Duff will become an instant success at St James' Park.
The winger arrived on Tyneside last week for £5 million from Chelsea and Toon's 30-year-old keeper knows him well from international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Therefore, he knows what Duff is capable of and he believes the Newcastle fans, who appreciate their attacking players, will become an instant success.
"He is so exciting to watch, he goes past players and gets the ball in the box so the lads up front will have plenty of service this year and Duffer will have the fans on the edge of their seats," Given told Newcastle's official website.
"I have known for quite a while how good he is because I have played with him for Ireland so many times and I know he will be a fantastic player for this club."
Many commentators were surprised that Newcastle only paid £5 million for the player and Given admits it was a clever bit of business by the Magpies.
Duff made his first appearance for the club in a friendly at the weekend against PSV Eindhoven and while he was short of fitness, Given insists there will be plenty more to come from him.
"I know he is still a little bit off the mark but you did see some glimpses in the first-half that showed he is a special player," Given added.
"The PSV game was just the start for him to get some match fitness under his belt but once he hits full fitness he is going to be a great asset for us."
Duff should feature once again when Newcastle take on last season's Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal at St James' Park on Saturday in their last pre-season friendly.