NEIL LENNON revealed he’s had a heart to heart with Shane Duffy about the criticism he’s been receiving over the past few weeks.
The Irishman has made some high profile errors which has led to many supporters branding him a dud.
Shane will be feeling it more than most other players in the dressing room, being a Celtic fan himself and playing for the club in such an important season.
The defender has gone 0-100 since coming to Celtic and he’s having to play a much different role to what he has been used to in the Premier League. Brighton played a deep line and the defending was as straightforward as it comes, clear your lines.
At Celtic, you’re much higher up the pitch and have to contribute to the attack at points. Shane isn’t blessed with pace so if a player gets in behind, it is a big issue.
It’s up to Neil Lennon and his coaching staff to get him set for life at Celtic and quickly.
Speaking ahead of the Lille game on Thursday evening, the Celtic manager admitted the Irish defender is feeling it:
“Shane is a big, strong boy.” Lennon told CelticTV.
“I had a chat with him the other night. He’s feeling it but he will come through it.
“We just need to show him a bit of patience. He made a mistake at the weekend, but the vitriol that comes after it is incredible.
“Again, it is my job to support him and that is exactly what I will do.
“It isn’t the first time players have been thrown into the lion’s den in terms of insults and criticism.
“I know what Shane is going through but he has the character and personality to bounce back straight away.”
