The Football Association of Ireland have announced that Damien Duff has stepped away from his role in Stephen Kenny's backroom team.
In a statement released by the FAI on Friday evening, the former Irish international thanked Stephen Kenny for the opportunity.
"I want to thank Stephen Kenny for the opportunity he gave me to coach with the senior Ireland team," he said, "and I wish Stephen, Keith and the players all the very best of luck for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers."
Meanwhile, the same statement carried a message from the Ireland boss Kenny.
"Damien is an excellent coach as he proved in his time with us and his contribution to the Irish team was greatly appreciated by myself, my staff and the players," he stated, "and I wish him the very best of luck for the future."
6 September 2020; Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, right, in conversation with, from left, goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly, coaches Damien Duff and Keith Andrews. Photo by Sportsfile.One of the coaches drafted into the senior set-up by Kenny upon taking over the senior team earlier this year, no reason is yet forthcoming for Damien Duff's decision to step away at so early a point.
A well-respected coach who had worked with Shamrock Rovers and Celtic in various capacities before taking the position under Kenny, the first year had not gone to plan for the ex-Dundalk boss.
After a winless run of eight games that provided little by way of goals, Ireland's qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup is due to get underway in March against Serbia.
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