Damien Duff: Shamrock Rovers sign ex-Republic of Ireland winger

Duff scored eight international goals in 100 appearances for the Republic of Ireland

Former Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has signed for Dublin club Shamrock Rovers on an 18-month deal.

Duff, 36, ended a one-season stint with Australian A-League club Melbourne City in April.

The Dubliner won 100 Republic caps before retiring from international duty after the Euro 2012 finals.

Former Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham winger Duff is currently injured but expects to resume training before the end of this month.

"I'm very excited to have signed for the club," Duff told the Shamrock Rovers website.

"It's great to have it all finalised and now I'm just really looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

"I've always said that I wanted to come back and play in Ireland. Not only do I get the chance to do that, but I get to do it at the biggest club in the country.

"I am as excited about this move as I have been about any in my career."

Shamrock Rovers have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times with their last triumph coming in 2011, under current Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill.

They are third in this season's Premier League after 18 games.

Duff helped Chelsea win two English titles during his time at the London club.