Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has all but ruled Damien Duff out of the weekend game against Wigan, casting further doubt on whether the winger will be fit for the first leg of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off against France at Croke Park on November 14th.

The Dubliner was taken off at half-time during Fulham's win over Liverpool last weekend and remains a concern for Hodgson, along with Danny Murphy and Andrew Johnson, who are also set to miss tomorrow's Europa League clash with Roma.

"I dont think there's much hope for for Johnson, Murphy and Duff for the weekend," Hodgson said.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is already without Noel Hunt and Caleb Folan as attacking options against the French. The loss of Duff would be a serious blow to the Italian's plans.