SHANE DUFFY has come in for a lot of criticism the past week with defeats in the Glasgow Derby and against Milan.
Some fans have been very critical in the Irishman’s role in both games but Neil Lennon thinks that’s unfair.
Lending some perspective to Duffy’s form, the Celtic manager revealed he had dental surgery, days before the derby. He also pointed out after nine months of no football, Shane has played in every game for Celtic in a five week period.
With injuries and virus call offs, Neil has been unable to give him some time to recover in certain games.
Shane’s run of games will likely continue against Aberdeen today with the same injuries and call offs still being in play.
“Shane didn’t play any football for nine months. All of a sudden he’s played 14 games in about five weeks. He played all of the games for Ireland then he had an abscess in his mouth that was giving him a lot of pain.” Lennon told RecordSport.
“He flew back into Glasgow last Thursday, had some emergency dental work and we had to roll him out on Saturday against Rangers.
“He played on Thursday night but we’re curtailed in that he’s got no Bitton, Jullien or Elhamed beside him. In the main, his performances have been pretty consistent.
“I know he’s under a bit of scrutiny because people are looking at him for some of the goals we’ve lost but we can’t pinpoint that on Shane. It’s a collective effort.
“As the season unfurls and goes along, he’ll play a huge part and he’s a good type as well. We also have to remember that these boys are away from home.
“This isn’t like the big lockdown where they were able to go home and visit their families. They’re in at training and then they’re restricted in where they can go.
“Shane will eventually revel in the pressure of playing for Celtic but he’s only just in the door. He’s been thrown in without any real pre-season. He’ll get better and better and he’ll be a stalwart. The criticism of the team is justified at times, I get it but some of it on individual players is unfair.”
Celtic go up against Aberdeen in the early kick off, a win would just be what the doctor ordered as the bhoys look to leave behind a poor week.
Duffy cost us a win today. Unfit, slow, couldn’t pass water, utter rubbish. Get him back to Brighton NOW. He’s just another big mouth player who can’t deliver. He won’t stop trying to pass out from the back. Here’s a tip Duffy, you pass the ball to the midfield, and they move the ball upfield, and you concentrate on DEFENDING, cause right now you are sh1te. Pack yer back, you’re offski. We’ve no room for passengers.