Duff defends O'Neill's methods

Damien Duff says criticism of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill's playing style is unfair, and suggests Irish supporters "think we are better than we are".

O'Neill led Ireland to the Euro 2016 finals in France through the play-offs, and is just 180 minutes away from leading his country to a first World Cup finals tournament since 2002.

Ireland qualified for November's play-offs after finishing second in Group D, and will now face Denmark over two legs for a place in Russia next summer.

O'Neill's side take on the Danes in Copenhagen on Saturday, 11 November, with the second leg at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, 14 November.

And two-time Premier League champion Duff, who retired from international football five years ago after winning his 100th cap against Italy at Euro 2012, says O'Neill's record as Ireland boss vindicates his decision to focus on defensive stability.

"We're all quick to criticise Martin's style of play but we're in another play-off and probably got the best draw in facing Denmark," Duff said. 

"I think it's bizarre and a bit of a love-hate one. It's not pretty to watch at times but maybe that's the way Martin operates with the personnel we've had. 

"I guess we are always chasing perfection. Maybe we think we are better than we are."

Victory over Denmark would see Ireland qualify for back-to-back major tournaments for the first time since 1990, and Duff, 38, says O'Neill should be considered on a par with Jack Charlton should Ireland qualify for Russia.

"We all laud Jack Charlton as probably the biggest football hero in this country but this would be the first time we've qualified for two consecutive major tournaments since his time," Duff, who currently coaches the under-15s at Shamrock Rovers, continued.

"Jack played in a similar fashion to Martin and is considered a hero in Ireland. 

"We've had some of the biggest results in our history over the last couple of years and it's under Martin. That's why it's hard to knock him and maybe we have to look at that sometimes."

Photo Inpho/ Gary Carr

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