Damien Duff has revealed how the Roy Keane affair has soured his World Cup experience so far.
The controversy surrounding former Republic of Ireland skipper Roy Keane has slightly taken the edge off things for the Blackburn winger.
"It has not been nice for us young lads," said Duff. "This is supposed to be the best experience of our lives but the past couple of weeks haven't been nice with what has been going on.
"It has been a roller-coaster ride. It has been non-stop with something different happening every day.
"Hopefully it can be put to the back of everyone's minds and we can get on with it. In the past couple of days it has been out of everybody's mind, including the gaffer, so come Saturday we can do the business hopefully."
Duff, who has won 26 caps, is being tipped to shine in these finals, but the 23-year-old is not fazed by the expectation levels on his shoulders as he prepares to line up in a central striking role alongside Robbie Keane.
"I don't feel under any added pressure," he said. "I have been getting pressure all year at Blackburn. We had a relegation battle in the last couple of months, there was a lot of pressure there and I got through that, so hopefully I'll be able to do the business in the next few weeks.
"I have played left wing my whole life and that is where I am most relaxed, so playing in the centre is all new to me. But playing with the likes of Robbie Keane, Niall Quinn, Dave Connolly and Clinton Morrison every day I am only going to learn. I am going to enjoy it and it is great to get out there.
"I have played with Robbie since I was 16 so I know how he plays. He is a great player, very clever. I am always learning and I am enjoying it. The most important thing is to get out of the group."
PA