BLACKBURN winger Damien Duff was the toast of Ireland today after being named in the UEFA.com team of the year.

Duff achieved the accolade on the back of some scintillating performances for the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup finals last summer.

And he was one of just two Premiership players to be named in the star-studded team together with Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Rovers chief executive John Williams described Duff's inclusion as a major coup for both the player and the club.

Fans voted for their favourite players as part of a poll on the UEFA.com website and nearly a million votes were cast in total.

"This is absolutely fantastic news," said Williams.

"Obviously, Damien's inclusion is a result of his performances in the World Cup and on those performances it's very deserved.

"So this is great for him and great for the club because it's not bad company to be in.

"It's a little bit of good news in what has been an otherwise bad seven days."

Roberto Carlos, left-back of Real Madrid and Brazil, claimed the largest percentage of votes by any player -- 54.15 per cent.

Senol Gunes, of Turkey, was also named Coach of the Year.

The team (in 4-4-2 formation) was: Rustu (Turkey, 33.38 per cent); Puyol (Spain, 31.72), Nesta (Italy, 22.90), Chivu (Romania, 15.05), Roberto Carlos (Brazil, 54.15); Seedorf (Holland, 34.88), Ballack (Germany, 39.23), Zidane (France, 43.60), Duff (Republic of Ireland, 25.08); Henry (France, 19.33), Ronaldo (Brazil, 16.35). Coach: Gunes (Turkey, 28.50).