Former Celtic coach Damien Duff previously hailed ‘massive’ impact of Shane Duffy

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Celtic have secured an eye-catching piece of business by bringing the Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy to the club on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion until the end of the season in a loan deal reportedly (Sky Sports) worth around £2 million for the season.

The self-confessed Celtic fan turned down the chance for several other moves in order to make a dream switch to Parkhead a reality and Celtic fans are over the moon with their new arrival. 

One man who is likely to be happy for both player and club is Damien Duff. 

The former Ireland winger was the first team coach at Celtic until April when he was appointed as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland national team, where he now works with Duffy. 

Duff is clearly a fan of the 28-year-old and has spoken of his fondness for the commanding defender in the past. 

“I think the big news and the most pleasing news for (then Ireland boss) Mick (McCarthy) is that Shane Duffy is fit,” Duff told RTE Soccer as part of his role as a pundit for Ireland’s European Championship qualifier with Georgia last October. “Since he’s come into the team since 2014 I think, gradually over that time, he’s become a mainstay. He’s the first name on the team sheet for me, so that’s massive.”

Celtic clearly needed to solidify things at the back after their painful Champions League exit to Ferencvaros and with continued doubts over the long-term future of Kristoffer Ajer the arrival of Duffy could prove a major boost in Celtic’s bid for 10 in a row.