Europa League: Duff set to face Russians after £4m move

James Mariner
Wednesday 19 August 2009 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

New Fulham signing Damien Duff is in line to make his debut for the club in tonight's Europa League play-off match with Akmar Perm at Craven Cottage.

The Republic of Ireland international completed his £4m move from Newcastle on Tuesday and is included in Roy Hodgson's squad for the first-leg tie against the Russian side. Midfielder Simon Davies [foot] and defender Toni Kallio [Achilles] are unavailable, with Hodgson hoping to build on Fulham's fine start to the season, which has seen three wins from three games, with no goals conceded.

Aston Villa begin their European campaign away at Rapid Vienna, with striker John Carew included in Martin O'Neill's squad after missing Saturday's defeat to Wigan with a foot injury. Following criticism last season for fielding under-strength sides in the competition, O'Neill has named a full squad for the trip to Austria, with Villa having four days to recover before travelling to Liverpool on Monday.

Captain Stiliyan Petrov does not believe having the second leg at home will necessarily affect the result. "I don't think it matters what order we play the games," the Bulgarian said. "Some teams are better away and it's the other way round for others. We have to have that consistency to get the maximum from the two games.

"All the teams are fit, and prepared, and we will have two difficult games. If we want to go into the group stages, we have to beat them and it doesn't matter what it takes to do that."

Scottish representatives Hearts travel to Dinamo Zagreb.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in