Kalimantan Gull
Well-known member
Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed that Shane Duffy will start their Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi on Saturday.
The Brighton centre-half was a major doubt for the game with a calf strain, but has won his race to be fit.
"He's fine, but I wouldn't let him train yesterday," said McCarthy.
"'He said why?' 'because I said so'. He had done three days in a row so it was a recovery day, which he's done, so now he's fine.
"The club [Brighton] have been very good and let him come so I must say thank you to Brighton. He's trained fully this week and is fit to play."
Duffy, 27, has played every minute of the Republic's five Euro 2020 qualifiers and scored a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to Denmark.
Given his prominence over the last run of games, McCarthy said it would be 'ridiculous' of him not to play Duffy in Saturday's game.
"It would be kind of ridiculous not to play him considering the way he has been playing," said McCarthy.
"So, if you're looking for one starter, Duffy has been outstanding - so I'd be bonkers to leave him out."
Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy has praised Brighton for "doing everything" to get him fit in time to play in the Republic's Euro qualifiers.
Duffy sustained a calf injury last month but will travel to Tbilisi for Saturday's game against Georgia.
"I'm delighted, the club has been brilliant with me and done a lot of work over the last couple of weeks to get me ready," said the 27-year-old.
The Republic also take on top seeds Switzerland in Geneva on Tuesday.
With Richard Keogh injured and Enda Stevens suspended, Republic manager Mick McCarthy could not afford to be without another of his most experienced and trusted defenders.
Duffy was not included in the original squad and spent the early part of this week completing his rehab and training with the Brighton squad.
He joined the Republic squad on Wednesday before Thursday's trip to Georgia.
"The club were great and the manager [Graham Potter] has been great giving me a bit more time to get ready," Duffy told FAI TV.
"I did three days in a row and then had a rest day so I am ready to go.
"It's a huge game and hopefully one we can take advantage of."
Much of the pre-game talk has surrounded potential debutant Aaron Connolly, who was called up to the senior squad following his two-goal display for Brighton against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
However, while admitting to have been impressed by the 19-year-old, McCarthy would not reveal whether or not the winger will take to the pitch on Saturday.
"I did have a concern about James [McClean], who had a stiff back at the beginning of the week, but he's recovered and he's trained as well as he always has.
"I know Aaron can play on the left, and has been devastating for the U21s, but he plays up front in a two for Brighton, so there's an option as well."
Republic captain Seamus Coleman, who scored his only international goal against Georgia in 2016, says he expects a tough test against the team ranked 91st in the world.
As for Connolly, Coleman - who turned 31 on Friday - says he hopes the winger can emulate his club form on the international scene if he gets minutes over the next two games.
"He's been lively and sharp," said Coleman.
"He's a good lad - his two goals in the Premier League is good for Irish football. Hopefully he can make an impact if he plays a part, but he's done well."
The Brighton centre-half was a major doubt for the game with a calf strain, but has won his race to be fit.
"He's fine, but I wouldn't let him train yesterday," said McCarthy.
"'He said why?' 'because I said so'. He had done three days in a row so it was a recovery day, which he's done, so now he's fine.
"The club [Brighton] have been very good and let him come so I must say thank you to Brighton. He's trained fully this week and is fit to play."
Duffy, 27, has played every minute of the Republic's five Euro 2020 qualifiers and scored a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw away to Denmark.
Given his prominence over the last run of games, McCarthy said it would be 'ridiculous' of him not to play Duffy in Saturday's game.
"It would be kind of ridiculous not to play him considering the way he has been playing," said McCarthy.
"So, if you're looking for one starter, Duffy has been outstanding - so I'd be bonkers to leave him out."
Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy has praised Brighton for "doing everything" to get him fit in time to play in the Republic's Euro qualifiers.
Duffy sustained a calf injury last month but will travel to Tbilisi for Saturday's game against Georgia.
"I'm delighted, the club has been brilliant with me and done a lot of work over the last couple of weeks to get me ready," said the 27-year-old.
The Republic also take on top seeds Switzerland in Geneva on Tuesday.
With Richard Keogh injured and Enda Stevens suspended, Republic manager Mick McCarthy could not afford to be without another of his most experienced and trusted defenders.
Duffy was not included in the original squad and spent the early part of this week completing his rehab and training with the Brighton squad.
He joined the Republic squad on Wednesday before Thursday's trip to Georgia.
"The club were great and the manager [Graham Potter] has been great giving me a bit more time to get ready," Duffy told FAI TV.
"I did three days in a row and then had a rest day so I am ready to go.
"It's a huge game and hopefully one we can take advantage of."
Much of the pre-game talk has surrounded potential debutant Aaron Connolly, who was called up to the senior squad following his two-goal display for Brighton against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
However, while admitting to have been impressed by the 19-year-old, McCarthy would not reveal whether or not the winger will take to the pitch on Saturday.
"I did have a concern about James [McClean], who had a stiff back at the beginning of the week, but he's recovered and he's trained as well as he always has.
"I know Aaron can play on the left, and has been devastating for the U21s, but he plays up front in a two for Brighton, so there's an option as well."
Republic captain Seamus Coleman, who scored his only international goal against Georgia in 2016, says he expects a tough test against the team ranked 91st in the world.
As for Connolly, Coleman - who turned 31 on Friday - says he hopes the winger can emulate his club form on the international scene if he gets minutes over the next two games.
"He's been lively and sharp," said Coleman.
"He's a good lad - his two goals in the Premier League is good for Irish football. Hopefully he can make an impact if he plays a part, but he's done well."
Last edited: