Marco Tardelli hopeful of Damien Duff's Ireland return

Republic of Ireland assistant coach Marco Tardelli remains hopeful that winger Damien Duff will come out of international retirement next month.

The 33-year-old quit international football following Ireland's Euro 2012 campaign after making his 100th appearance for his country.

"I know he has said he has retired, but I hope he will be back for the Germany game [next month]," said Tardelli. "It is possible.

"I don't know if he will or not, but I always see him during Fulham's matches and I think it is possible, why not?

"He is a very good player. He said he has stopped, but I hope he will come back."

Ireland will take on Germany in a 2014 World Cup qualifier next month after playing Kazakhstan this week.