18.02.2015 02:08 h

Duff ruled out for rest of A-League season

Star import Damien Duff will likely undergo surgery after rupturing a tendon in his calf and is expected to miss the rest of the A-League season, his club Melbourne City said Wednesday.

The Ireland international sustained the injuries early in Saturday's match against Wellington Phoenix, limping off after a tackle by striker Roy Kris.

Duff signed a one-year deal for the 2014-15 season and the injury is likely to spell the end of his short but impressive A-League career.

"We are of course disappointed to learn the seriousness of Damien's injuries and I know his absence will be a big loss to the team," head coach John van't Schip said.

"Damien has brought a lot to the club this season both on and off the pitch and we are going to need other members of the squad to step up while Damien is out of action."

Winger Duff, 35, has previously played for English sides Fulham, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

He lifted two Premier League titles and the English League Cup with Chelsea, won another League Cup with Rovers and played in the 2010 UEFA Europa League final with Fulham.