SHANE DUFFY spoke after Ireland’s 3-0 loss against England on Thursday night and declared he’s ready to fight for his Celtic future.
The defender acknowledged his poor start in his beloved hoops and knows he’s not the first footballer to struggle in a new side.
Shane has made some high profile errors which led to him being dropped against Motherwell just before the international break.
The task doesn’t get any easier for the Irishman with Christopher Jullien heading back to full fitness and will challenge him for a place in a back two.
Speaking to RTE, the Celtic centre-back says he’s up for the challenge and mentally strong.
“It’s a difficult time, but I’m not the first footballer to go through it and I won’t be the last.
“I’m mentally strong and I can deal with this kind of stuff. It’s just a tough time where performances sometimes don’t go where you want it.
“I’m positive. I’ve got managers who believe in me, and I believe in myself. I’ve got good family and friends around me who push me, and good pros who have been there and done it.
“That’s what I’ve got to do –Â keep cracking on. I know it just doesn’t change overnight. So I’ll keep trying, keep learning.
“It’ll take a lot more than what they’re doing at the minute to keep me down.”
Neil Lennon could be tempted to go back to a 3-5-2 if all his defenders are fit, but after seeing what the team can do domestically in a 4-3-3, it would be madness to change the shape to suit individuals.
Duffy needs to be strong and steady going forward, everything he does will be put under a microscope and scrutinised.
It’s all about results for Celtic now, with no room for error in the Premiership.
Needs dropped for a few games to take the pressure off him completely, and not three quarters of a game.