DUFF LUCK ON DAMIEN.

Byline: PAUL O'HEHIR

DAMIEN DUFF is definitely out of Saturday's World Cup clash with Italy - but Giovanni Trapattoni is still praying he could be fit for Montenegro on Wednesday.

But Fulham countered that claim last night, with a club statement reading: "The winger will remain at Fulham's training ground during the international break."

Trapattoni said the 30-year-old would have further treatment at the London club this week and then have a scan to finally determine his availability.

"His doctor said to stay at home for some training. If his injury is not bad, he may join us," said the Ireland boss who said he should know more on the issue today.

But midfielders Steven Reid and Darron Gibson are definitely out of both games.

Injury-jinxed Reid is still trying to shake off the Achillies injury that kept him out of the Blackburn squad for the weekend defeat to Arsenal.

Trapattoni included the 28-year-old in his squad following a year of knee-related injury hell, but admitted from day one that it was unlikely Reid would play.

And Gibson (inset) is still struggling with the groin injury sustained while doing extra shooting practice at Manchester United last week.

Shane Long trained with the squad in Malahide yesterday despite missing weeks of club action with Reading because of an ankle injury.

But, as expected, giant striker Caleb Folan did not link up with the squad at their Dublin base having recently torn his hamstring. Noel Hunt, his replacement, did train.

Shay Given and Richard Dunne both took limited parts in yesterday's session owing to Monday night's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Both are expected to take a full part in today's training.

Trapattoni said: "Every time I come back here I am happy because I always see that the players are happy, that is a good approach for this game.

"The players had a good morale and spirit."

CAPTION(S):

BLOW Duff was injured on club duty at Fulham two weeks ago