Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy is targeting victory against France at Euro 2016
Saturday 25 June 2016 16:05, UK
Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy is relishing the opportunity to face France in the last 16 of the European Championship - six years after almost losing his life in a training ground accident while on international duty.
Martin O'Neill's side take on the host nation at the Stade des Lumieres on Sunday evening with Duffy expected to start at centre-back after impressing against Italy on Wednesday.
In his first competitive international, Duffy produced an assured display to help guide Ireland to a 1-0 win in Lille.
The match capped a remarkable recovery for the Blackburn Rovers defender, who almost lost his life during a training match in 2010, after rupturing the blood supply to his liver during a collision with his goalkeeper.
And Duffy admits he is just happy to be playing for his country after failing to feature in any of Ireland's qualifying matches for the tournament.
"It's hard to sum up at the minute," he said. "I didn't play a minute in the qualifying, then football changes so quickly. I'm grateful to the boss for picking me and putting me in the squad.
"I've thrived off it, I thrive off big games and I think I did alright (against Italy). I can only do what I can do out there. I was comfortable, I thought the whole team played well.
"I can always get better at things and improve, I'm still at an early stage in my career and the more times I can play, I can get better."
Duffy started the tournament on the bench but was drafted into Ireland's starting XI against Italy in the place of captain John O'Shea, who struggled during the 3-0 loss to Belgium.
The 24-year-old is expected to retain his place in O'Neill's starting line-up as Ireland look to gain revenge for their controversial defeat to France in the 2010 World Cup qualification play-offs.
The former Everton man is optimistic heading into the game and is relishing the opportunity to face the host nation.
"That's what we're here for," he said. "We're here to play big teams, we've already played three great teams already. We're waiting for it."
