Irish stars left with heavy burden

"But definitely come Saturday it will be different. It has been out of everyone's mind now, including the gaffer's, and we want to do the business on Saturday.

"We can move on now. Our aim is to do well against Cameroon, carry on with the Irish tradition of starting well in the group and then making it into the second phase."

Duff knows how much he is seen as Ireland's star in the making. Even before Keane's exile, he was the one touted for superstardom by Irish manager Mick McCarthy, his fellow players and the fans back home. However, he insists he can cope with all the attention.

"I don't feel under any extra pressure going into Saturday's game," claimed Duff. "I was under pressure all season at Blackburn because we were fighting against relegation.

"There was a lot of pressure there and I got through it so I am confident I can do the business for Mick."

Skilful players like Duff have been promised extra protection by referees in this World Cup finals but McCarthy has warned the winger turned striker to expect more attention than normal from a physical Cameroon defence.

"I haven't even thought about referees or protection out here," said the Dubliner. "I'm not worried about getting fouled out here because it has happened all season at Blackburn and I have learnt to get on with it. If I get more free-kicks than usual, so be it. It will present us with scoring chances and that can only help."

As Ireland count down to the big kick-off, Duff has bad news for any managers heading to Niigata on spying missions.

He is staying at Ewood Park despite stories linking him with everyone from Manchester United to Inter Milan since he arrived in Japan.

"The speculation doesn't bother me. I didn't even know about the Inter Milan story until now," said Duff, a certain starter against Cameroon.

"I have been hearing these stories for the past couple of months but it doesn't interest me or worry me. I am here with the Ireland squad to do well for my country and when I go back to England in July, I will be going to Blackburn.

"I love it there and I can't wait to get back and get down to work for next season with Rovers. But first and foremost I want to enjoy the World Cup."

Meanwhile, McCarthy has given up trying to get Celtic midfielder Colin Healy into the squad.

FIFA has turned down the Football Association of Ireland's request to draft in Healy as a replacement for Keane.

McCarthy will now compete in Group E against Cameroon, Germany and Saudi Arabia with only 22 players, one less than the maximum.

"We have put this issue to sleep now," said FAI general secretary Brendan Menton in Seoul this morning. "We made the application to FIFA but they have rejected the request and said only medical reasons will be enough to get Healy out here.

"That would require a medical certificate from a FIFA doctor stating that Roy Keane is injured and we are not prepared to go down that road.

"We want closure on this whole issue and this is the final instalment."

There was better news for McCarthy on the training ground today when Charlton's Mark Kinsella returned to action after resting his troublesome knee during yesterday's session.

The midfielder trained with the rest of the team and will be fit to face Cameroon.

Leeds full-back Ian Harte sat out the session as a precaution against a heel injury while Sunderland midfielder Jason McAteer is making satisfactory progress in his recovery from the knee injury picked up in the game against Hiroshima.

"I want Jason to play and I am hopeful he will be fit but the ultimate decision will be down to me," said McCarthy.