Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening admits they missed Damien Duff's influence in defeat to Birmingham City.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson left Duff out of his starting line-up after the World Cup play-off agony with the Republic of Ireland but Greening is confident he will put that misery behind him.

Greening said: "Can I understand the manager leaving out Duff? He has got his reasons because Damien played two tough and emotional games for Ireland.

"He only trained with us on Friday and we'd been working on team play for the last couple of weeks and Damien had not been with us.

"He is a quality player and you could see that when he came on and I am sure he will be playing against Blackburn.

"A few of the boys asked him why he cried on the pitch (against France) but it was understandable.

"If I was his age, and it was my last chance to play in the World Cup, I think I'd be upset.

"But he is a top player and a really good lad."