Europa delight would help compensate Duff

Damien Duff is hoping to bury his memories of World Cup heartbreak by helping Fulham to Europa League glory.

Duff's hopes of making his second appearance at a World Cup finals were dashed in November after Thierry Henry's now infamous handball helped France seal a 2-1 aggregate play-off win over the Republic of Ireland in Paris.

But Duff admits his bad memories have been put to the back of his mind, partly due to Fulham's European success this year when Roy Hodgson's side have gone on an incredible run in the Europa League.

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They have accounted for the likes of UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus to make the quarter finals, where they hold a 2-1 lead going into tonight's second leg against Wolfsburg.

The Cottagers will set up a semi-final against Hamburg or Standard Liege should they progress and Duff admits he is desperate for the Cottagers to end the season by lifting the trophy.

"Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more," the 31-year-old said.

"We've played so many games since that night in Paris and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable."

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A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left Fulham short of options up front and if fellow striker Bobby Zamora (Achilles) fails to make it through last night's training session, manager Roy Hodgson will have to turn to Erik Nevland to partner Zoltan Gera up front.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has recovered from a knee injury and is fit for his side's second leg match against Benfica.

Manager Rafael Benitez is forced to make a change in defence with left-back Emiliano Insua, who is carrying a knock anyway, suspended and Fabio Aurelio (thigh) still out. Ryan Babel is also banned after his sending-off in Lisbon last week.

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