I watched Ireland’s two games with interest this week after Shane Duffy signed for the club. The defender’s deal has captured the imagination of the Celtic support, but what is the current reality of what we have on our hands.
Shane looked shaky in both games for his country and very much looked like a player short of fitness and sharpness – which is understandable. Duffy along with Ireland teammates also looked like a new team learning a manager’s ideas and trying top execute them on the field. Stephen Kenny wants to play expansive, entertaining football but that doesn’t happen overnight. Their blushes saved against Bulgaria with Duffy showing his aerial presence, scoring a last-minute goal.
Against Finland, the Irish fell to a disappointing defeat and the Irish captain, Duffy was disappointed but believes next month the team will be in a better place with fitness and sharpness.
Duffy will now make his way to Glasgow and will be put through his paces by the Celtic coaches. Many supporters will be expecting a debut for Duffy on Saturday against Ross County; in reality, the Irishman might start on the bench as he builds up his fitness.
Unless Neil Lennon is keen to bed him in immediately. If the Celtic manager changes formation to a 3-5-2, Shane might just get the nod, but it’ll be a little while yet before we get the big man at his best.
