ALBION’S international award winner Shane Duffy admits he has not got over his World Cup heartache.

Duffy has been named Republic of Ireland player of the year for his performances in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

They were knocked out in the play-offs by Denmark, denying Duffy the chance to join Albion team-mate and Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the finals in Russia this summer.

It will still be on his mind when he is back on international duty for Martin O’Neill’s side for friendlies in Turkey on Friday and France next week.

Duffy told The Argus: “I’m looking forward to it. You are never over that.

“You are always thinking about it. Speaking to Maty, he’s going to the World Cup. We were one game away.

“But I’m looking forward to meeting back up with them, see what the mood is like.

“It will be a new team. There have been a couple of retirements and now it’s getting back at it for the Euros. It’s a big couple of years and a little break from club football.”

Duffy beat West Brom winger James McClean to the player of the year accolade at the FAI awards in Dublin.

He has also been in outstanding form for Albion in the Premier League at the heart of the defence with Lewis Dunk.

Duffy is scheduled to make the 200th appearance of his career when the Seagulls return to action against Leicester at the Amex on March 31.

Boss Chris Hughton will be keeping his fingers crossed that Mathew Ryan, Davy Propper, Jose Izquierdo, Beram Kayal and Tomer Hemed also avoid injuries on international duty before Albion resume their fight to stay up.