SUNDERLAND winger Thomas Butler has admitted that World Cup wonder Damien Duff is his inspiration as he bids to break into the Republic of Ireland's senior set-up.

Irish boss Mick McCarthy will have taken note of Under-21 international Butler's influential display in Sunderland's season-opening goalless draw at Blackburn.

Butler, in only his third senior start, did his best to rival the left-wing master-class of Rovers star Duff, who has been linked with a £10m move to Liverpool.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness has warned off his former club and is attempting to end speculation surrounding Duff by tying him to a new long-term deal.

Butler himself only pledged his future to Sunderland this summer when he signed a three-year agreement after his contract had run out.

But now the 21-year-old is aiming to cement his place in Peter Reid's side and use that as a springboard to full Irish honours.

Butler said: "The manager has said it's a big season for me. Playing for Ireland is an ambition this season, and if I play well for Sunderland, hopefully I can make it.

"I've had a few words with Damien when I've been with the Under-21s and he's been with the senior squad.

"He's brilliant. I watched him in the World Cup. In Ireland, he's got legend status now.

"He's the benchmark you are aiming for. When I see him doing his tricks with his dribbling ability, I want to copy him.

"He's buzzing after the World Cup.''

Butler revealed that Duff's World Cup colleague Niall Quinn, who stepped up to the role of player-coach at Sunderland this summer, is providing plenty of encouragement as he chases his dream.

"Niall gives all the players a lot of help in training and he has said to me that I could get into the Ireland squad,'' said Butler, who also confirmed how near Sunderland came to losing him.

"I was close to leaving,'' he added. "My contract had expired and there were a few enquiries from clubs.

"But in the end I was glad I chose to stay with Sunderland. I think I can stay in the side and save the club money.

"I deserve to play if I do well - there's no point in spending money on a player if there's already someone who can do the job.''

Pressure, however, is mounting on under-fire Reid to make a breakthrough in his search for a frontline foil for Kevin Phillips.

Former Leeds boss David O'Leary is already being tipped to replace Reid if he is eventually forced out by the Stadium of Light boo boys.

But Saturday's result has given him breathing space ahead of the first home game of the season this weekend against his old club Everton.

And Reid drew comfort from the backing he received from the travelling fans at Blackburn.

Butler said: "The away fans are brilliant - they always get behind us and you can always hear them.

"We all wanted to do well for the manager because he's had a hard time with the fans.''

Reid, meanwhile, assured the Wearside faithful that Phillips, who ended the Blackburn game with his head swathed in bandages, would be fit to face Everton despite reopening a head wound which required stitches on the pre-season trip to Seville.

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