DAMIEN Duff is closing in on a senior international call, with the possibility of a Republic of Ireland 'B' international appearance in the New Year.

The 18-year-old Blackburn Rovers starlet, who has started to make an impact on the Premiership, has yet to play even at under-21 level for his country.

But the Republic are hoping to arrange a 'B' international against Scotland in the near future and Irish sources believe that Duff is being pencilled in to step up from the youth ranks.

Mick McCarthy, who recently signed a new contract as Irish manager, wants to give some of his promising youngsters a chance with the senior squads.

And Duff, a star at both under-18 and under-21 levels, is a prime contender for a place.

He could even force his way into the reckoning for the start of the European Championship qualifiers next season - providing he continues to make the outstanding progress he has shown at club level.

Brian Kerr is the manager of the Irish under-18 and under-20 sides, who shone on the European and World stages earlier this year.

And he has few doubts about Duff's ability to go all the way to the top.

"There's a general rave about him over here," he said. "Since he's been a young lad, there has been something exceptional about him and the first time I saw him at under-18 level I thought he stood out among his peers.

"He's been well able to cope with international football.

"You don't know how young players are going to develop.

"But he does look like a fella who has all the qualities to become a particularly good player."

The main reason Duff has not appeared for the Republic at under-21 level has been because he has been needed by the Irish for their youth squads.

They reached the finals of the World Cup (under-20) in Malaysia, followed by the European Championship finals (under-18) in Iceland.

"We don't get to many European or World Championship finals," said Mr Kerr. "And it was important we had the best team available. "I discussed things with Ian Evans, who looks after the under-21 side, and we work very tightly together with the international teams.

"Everyone is aware of everyone else's needs.

"And we didn't want to over-use him."

"His temperament is excellent, his application is first class and he loves the game like very few players nowadays.

"He looks like he is tired after five minutes but, in fact, he has got stamina and the commitment to keep going.

"I am always wary of talking too much about young players but he looks like he's going to be something special."

The player himself has his feet firmly on the ground and isn't even thinking beyond his next game.

"I just want to play here at Blackburn," he said. It's where I love playing.

"I will just keep my head down and keep working hard," he said. "I'm just happy to be in the squad and I am learning all the time from players like Jason Wilcox and Stuart Ripley who have both played for England."

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