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Celtic: Darren O’Dea heaps praise on summer loan signing Shane Duffy

By Luke Seychell

Posted on 8 October 2020, 19:20

Celtic managed to acquire Shane Duffy on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion during the recent transfer window.

He has come straight into Neil Lennon’s side and looks to have added some good depth to the Hoops’ squad. Parkhead coach Darren O’Dea has been discussing the transfer and he has heaped glowing praise on his fellow Irishman, who suffered a horrendous injury as a teenager when his liver was lacerated in a training ground incident.

What exactly did Darren O’Dea say about new Celtic signing Shane Duffy?

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Celtic under-18s coach O’Dea said: “I look at Shane now that I’m retired and see how brave he is, how he throws himself at anything, puts his body where it hurts…” he said.

“I’d maybe have been in that mould, thinking ‘that’s your job’ etc.. but now I look and think I wouldn’t be surprised if that incident didn’t take something from him, or scarred him.

“The best parts of his game are the bits that accident should have cost him: his aggression, his strength in the air, how he defends the goal. He’s as aggressive as any player I’ve seen out there — hard to think as anyone who’s as good in the air.

“It’s a credit to him and how mentally strong he is, that it’s still there. For a player in their prime — coming from the Premier League, I was probably a little surprised.

“The elephant in the room is, of course, finance, and that’s why some of the top Irish players, who play in the Premier League but would love to play for Celtic, say ‘the timing’s not right’. They mean they want to maximise their earnings, because there’s a hell of a lot more money down there. I think everything needs to fall in place and things just aligned for Duffy.”

Duffy’s positive impact at Celtic so far

There is no doubt that the 28 year-old has started life brilliantly in Glasgow as the Republic of Ireland captain has kept five clean sheets in seven games for Celtic, per Transfermarkt. He has also had a good impact at the other end of the pitch as the defender has scored twice and picked up one assist.

He is in the prime of his career and has an abundance of experience at a high level both in the Premier League (96 appearances) and internationally (35 caps), per Transfermarkt. Also, with his Brighton contract set to expires at the end of the season, there may be a chance for the Hoops to sign him on a permanent deal for free next summer.

Due to Duffy’s experience and age, it is fair for O’Dea to say he was also surprised by the signing, as you would not have expected someone who has played 130 games for Brighton to be allowed leave the Amex Stadium.

The defender clearly has impressed at Celtic and this is highlighted by O’Dea’s comments. If he continues his fine form, there is no doubt that Duffy could have a big impact on the Hoops’ fortunes this season.

Celtic fans, what are your thoughts on Duffy’s form for the Hoops? Let us know your views by commenting below!