Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Damien Duff is in London for a medical today ahead of his proposed £4m move from Newcastle.

The Fulham manager hopes that the deal can be completed over the weekend and thinks that the Republic of Ireland would be an excellent addition to his squad.

I think he’s been allowed to come down and he’s having a medical. If all goes well I’m hoping the details will be finalised on his personal contract and the details between ourselves and Newcastle.

I’m hoping that will be finalised at the beginning of next week and, all being well, I’ll be able to tell you he’s a Fulham player next week. Until it’s completed, it’s better to be prudent, but I’m very hopeful we’ll have Damien with us.

It’s a long season and we’ve also got the European matches – at least two more of those – and there’s the Carling and FA Cups, so there’s going to be lots of matches. 

Last year we were extremely fortunate – we had so few injuries. I’m expecting this year to have to be without players occasionally and that’s why we need the quality of people like Damien Duff to put into the team.