Celtic
Lates performance by Celtic defender Shane Duffy should encourage Lennon
The centre-back produced a strong performance against Bulgaria in midweek.
Shane Duffy headed off to international duty a fortnight ago hoping to prove his worth and garner some confidence to kick on in the green and white of Celtic.
His last performance in a 0-0 draw against Bulgaria might just go a long way to convincing Neil Lennon to persist with the on-loan Brighton centre-back.
The Irish Examiner gave him a 7/10 for his showing, claiming the brave defender was ‘back to his best’ as Ireland finished with a positive showing.
(Photo; Mark Runnacles; Getty Images)
Back-to-back defeats to England and Wales had seen Duffy continue with his confidence struggles.
He was given a torrid time in the Wembley defeat and The Irish Times said he lacked his usual presence against the Welsh.
Duffy arrived at Celtic on a season-long loan from the Seagulls in the summer.
The 39-time international is a veteran of 96 Premier League games and he was deemed a bit of a coup when he checked in at Celtic Park.
Duffy has played 13 games for his new club, scoring two goals and operating as part of a back three or a back four.
Lennon must have had his reservations over his form prior to the international break.
The Brighton player was disappointing in three Europa League clashes and way below-par in defeat to Rangers.
Competition
Duffy actually started on the bench against Motherwell, with Nir Bitton and Kristoffer Ajer preferred.
At some point, Christopher Jullien will also return to the fray and Duffy’s form is still something of a worry.
(Photo; Stephen McCarthy; Sportsfile; Getty Images)
After a largely disappointing international stint, the defender put in a timely performance against the Bulgarians.
That might earn Duffy a short stay of execution in the Celtic team.
It goes without saying the experienced performer needs to up his game. If he doesn’t Lennon might look to shuffle his pack again.
