Kevin Kyle says one Celtic player ‘needs to just disappear’

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Kevin Kyle has told Open Goal that on-loan Celtic defender Shane Duffy “needs to just disappear” and has urged the Scottish champions to plan for next season by making changes now – or face trying to catch Rangers for a second successive season.

Duffy, 29, joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal last summer from Premier League side Brighton. The Ireland captain was seen as a coup for the Hoops, but ultimately, his style of play has not matched what Celtic need at centre-back.

Under Chris Hughton at Brighton, the Seagulls played with a low block with little space in behind. Duffy thrived. But Graham Potter’s arrival saw them use a high press, making his lack of pace more than evident – the reason why Potter axed him.

Celtic dominate possession and the centre-backs sit on the halfway line. There is space in behind and it sees Duffy’s weaknesses exploited by opposition strikers. Kyle thinks Celtic need to start planning for next season, and Duffy is not a part of that.

“Shane Duffy has lost all the confidence he had,” Kyle said. “I don’t think he has become a bad player overnight, it’s just not worked out for him. For whatever reason, his confidence has been zapped out of him.

“He needs to just disappear, bring in what you can and try to have a positive end to the season – so they can hit the ground running next season. If they don’t, they might be trying to catch Rangers again.”

TBR’s view – Duffy just does not suit Celtic’s style of play

Duffy was a warrior at Brighton under Hughton and continues to be a crucial part of Ireland’s side – but there is a reason for that, and that is because both play with a solid defensive block. Going forward, Duffy will not be a part of Celtic’s side.

It is impossible for Celtic to play on the counter attack, or defend with a deep manner – unless it is in Europe. It means Celtic need defenders with pace and given the money Duffy earns, he is not a part of Celtic’s future.