Given: Duff a Special Player

By Nick Raynor
July 31 2006

Newcastle United shot-stopper Shay Given has paid tribute to new signing Damien Duff stating he is a ‘special player’.

Duff signed for Newcastle in a bargain £5 million switch from Premiership champions, Chelsea.

 

The Republic of Ireland international made his debut for the Magpies in the 3-2 defeat to Dutch champions, PSV.

 

He managed 60 minutes on the pitch before being substituted for Albert Luque.

 

Given told the Chronicle that he believes Duff made a great start and that the best is yet to come.

 

Given told the Chronicle:

 

"Damien is still a little bit rusty and needs some more match practice,

 

"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.

 

"The players have also seen some glimpses in training of what he is all about too.

 

"I have known for quite a while how good he is because I have played with him for Ireland so many times.

 

"He will be a fantastic player for this club and the PSV game was just the start for him to get some match fitness under his belt.

 

"Once he hits full fitness he is going be a great asset for us.

 

"He is so exciting to watch - he goes past players and gets the ball into the box.

 

"The lads up front will have plenty of service this year, and Duffer will have the fans on the edge of their seats.

 

We hope he is tailor-made for Newcastle.

 

"He has signed a five-year contract which says he is going to be here for a while.

 

"He said it himself that his heart said Newcastle and he has friends here.

 

"We will help him to settle in and after that he is looking forward to five successful years here.

 

"I think it is hard if you go to a new club and you don't know anybody.

 

"But Damien knows quite a few players here - people like Stephen Carr and Scotty Parker.

 

"So far he has had no trouble settling in."