Duff evokes memories of Waddle

The Newcastle United manager, Glenn Roeder, has urged Magpies fans not to label Damien Duff "the new Chris Waddle".

Duff moved to St James' Park from Chelsea on Monday for £5m, signing a five-year contract. The arrival of the Republic of Ireland international has led to comparisons with another famous left winger who wowed Newcastle crowds: Waddle, who spent five years on Tyneside, scoring 46 goals in 170 games, before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur, Marseilles and Sheffield Wednesday.

It is 21 years since Waddle's move to White Hart Lane, and fans have lamented the fact there has never been another player like him to tease and torment the opposition.

Duff would appear to be the answer to their prayers, with supporters likely to get their first glimpse of the 27-year-old in today's home friendly against PSV Eindhoven. Roeder, though, has warned against placing too much expectation on Duff.

"I can see why people are comparing Damien to Chris because he has a great left foot and is able to run at players and jink past them," said Roeder. "But I would hate to see him tagged as another Chris Waddle because there has never been one, and never will be another one.

"The same applies to Damien. He is already a top-class player in his own right, and whatever he has achieved, he has done so on the back of his own ability.

"I'm certainly looking forward to sending him out in games for our supporters to enjoy his style of play."