Michael Duff is in danger of becoming one of Northern Ireland's forgotten
men but he has no plans to step off the international stage just yet.
The Burnley defender is putting a seven-month injury hell behind him and an
appearance against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend represented
a very welcome return after suffering multiple knee ligament damage in
September.
"Nigel Worthington rang me just to check on how I am, which was nice,"
said Duff. "Hopefully I can come back firing next season, get myself in
the gaffer's thoughts and take it from there.
"The end of the season has come at the wrong time for me though. It's
been a long season and I'm sure the lads wanted it to finish, but coming
from where I've come from I'm delighted to be back."
Duff's return to action owes much to the impressive work of Burnley's physio
Andy Mitchell.
"I've known him for 10 years now and I can't really speak highly
enough of him.
"In terms of the best in the country, I think Mitch has got to be up
there. He is top drawer. I owe him a lot."
Hi: 20°C / Lw: 13°C
Police officers are injured as car fails to stop
Taoiseach's last day spent with Big Ian at Boyne centre
Store is transformed into a lads' sanctuary
Exclusive poll: crime, health, Executive and Ulster's future
15,000 pairs of feet pound the city's streets for annual run
Bank holiday fun at the boat race charity event
Belfast Telegraph's glittering gala ceremony
Agent Provocateur's revealing lingerie launch
Read your entries in our city guides competition
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel