Damien Duff

Giovanni Trapattoni believes Damien Duff is set to announce his international retirement

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni believes that Damien Duff is set to retire from international football after picking up his 100th cap in the defeat to Italy on Monday.

The likes of Richard Dunne are also tipped to retire but, while the Italian does not want to lose the Aston Villa man, he believes that the 33-year-old Duff can be replaced by Sunderland’s James McClean or Wolves’ Stephen Hunt.

“Sure, there is a possibility that he will speak to his family, but in this moment we need Dunne again,” Trap said.

“We don’t have another like him. Maybe we have options in place of Damien Duff, but with Dunne, we need him in his position.”