Burnley defender ruled out of Northern Ireland squad

10:59am Monday 6th October 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

MICHAEL Duff has been forced to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad through injury.

The Burnley defender was replaced just before the hour in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Reading after suffering a side strain.

And although it is hoped he will have recovered in time for the visit of Championship leaders Birmingham City in just under two weeks, the 29-year-old is unable to be involved in Northern Ireland’s World Cup European qualifiers against Slovenia, away, on Saturday and at home to San Marino on Wednesday.

While it is a blow for Duff, who only recently returned to the international arena after having most of last season written off by multiple knee ligament damage, manager Owen Coyle will be pleased he is able to monitor his player at close quarters before the Clarets return to league action in a fortnight's time.