Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton has admitted that Damien Duff will join Fulham today.

I’m sad to see him go. As an individual, he’s a smashing lad and he always gives his all. He’s a very polite lad, a very hard working lad.

I don’t know if he’d look back on his Newcastle career with a tinge of regret. In the period of time I’ve been here, he’s had his injuries. The last pre-season he did was his first in three years. He was always one if he was ever injured he found it difficult because he just wanted to play. I think if he ends up going, it’ll be because of a new challenge and the Premier League but I can’t fault his application or attitude here.

With my Irish hat on, I think he’s an important player for the national team, if you said to me would I rather him be at Fulham or Newcastle, I’d say Newcastle.

Duff, 30, is expected to be unveiled as a Fulham player this afternoon.