Mike Duff wins 2nd Northern Ireland cap

By Peegs
August 22 2002

Cheltenham Town central defender Micheal Duff won his 2nd cap for Northern Ireland in the Nil Nil draw with Cyprus at Windsor Park.

The match will be most remembered for the death threats recieved by Neil Lennon that has subsequently seen him retire from International football.

Duff who plays at centre back for Cheltenham came on at half time for Dany Griffin and slotted in at right back.

He was 1st called into the Northern Irish squad in managers Sammy McIlroys special game against Macclesfield last season. He earnt his 1st full cap when he came on for the last 10 minutes in the 4-1 defeat against Poland.

The match was played infront of 6692 people and is another step forward in Mike Duff's career. He now has 55 minutes of International football under is belt and many Town fans are asking themselves how much longer we can hold on to him.

If a higher league club takes an interest in Duff we will be looking for a substantial fee between the £500,000 and £750,000 mark.

Hopefully Duff will have impressed Sammy McIlroy and put his name into contention for a place in the Irish European Championship qualifying squad.

* Meanwhile Cheltenham reserves drew 3-3 with Leyton Orient Reserves. New strikers Paul Brayson and Damian Spencer on target as was young striker Richard Kear. Check reserve fixtures and results on the link on the menu.