Damien Duff makes League of Ireland debut and will give wages to charity
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Damien Duff makes League of Ireland debut and will give wages to charity

FORMER Ireland international Damien Duff marked his Shamrock Rovers debut with a 3-0 victory over Cork City and confirmation that he'll donate his wages to charity.

Duff, 36, came off the bench late in the game at the Tallaght Stadium for his first League of Ireland encounter to a standing ovation on Monday evening.

Goals from Gavin Brennan, Danny North and Brandon Miele awarded Pat Fenlon's side all three points.

Former Newcastle and Chelsea winger Duff confirmed that all the income he earns throughout his 18-month stint at Shamrock Rovers will be donated to two charities.

"Every penny I get is going to charity," said Duff. "I don't want a penny.

"I thought it'd be something nice to do because I just want to play football. Any bonuses, incentives, appearance money or whatever is all going to those two charities, 50-50. I don't want to make a big story out of it, though."

Temple Street Hospital and Heart Children Ireland will split the donation, understood to be around €150,000.

It's a matter that's dear to him as his young son was born with a heart problem and required surgery in London shortly after his birth.