Damien Duff is rapidly building himself a strong reputation as a manager in Ireland.
The Irishman left Celtic in 2020 for the Republic of Ireland international set-up but had developed and honed his skills in Glasgow under the likes of Neil Lennon and Brendan Rodgers.
Duff has only improved since as a boss in his own right with Shelbourne in the League of Ireland as he guided the club to their first title in 18 years to write himself into the history books.
Duff was nominated for rookie boss of the year in his maiden season and they qualified for Europe in that time which was also history-making.
Now he is looking to continue his run this season with the club as they embark on a new campaign and hope to retain their trophy. And they do so with another former Celtic name in their squad.
- READ MORE: Damien Duff namechecks Celtic as he takes Shelbourne into Europe for the first time in 18 years
Kerr McInroy on what ex-Celtic coach Damien Duff is like as a manager
Kerr McInroy was signed by the manager having played under his coaching at Lennoxtown a few years back. His move to Shelbourne came via Kilmarnock and Dunfermline, but he was excited to work again with Duff.
Now, speaking to the Irish Mirror, McInroy has pulled the curtain back on exactly the type of coach Duff is and how far he has come as a gaffer in his own right.
“I got on really well with (Duff) when we worked together at Celtic,” he said. “He is obviously different now that he is a manager, but he is obviously still the same great person and everyone loves him.
“We always got on really well when he was my coach for that short period of time, so I have always kept in contact with him since, here and there.
“He has actually tried to get me over to Shelbourne a couple of times, but for whatever reason it never really happened.
“I just thought now was the perfect time to come over and try something new and come and work with him. We spoke, I came over for a couple of days and we got everything sorted.”
Duff rejected move to EFL after Shelbourne success
With success comes interest and Duff has already had to ignore an approach from a club down south.
The 46-year-old was indirectly – via his assistant – asked recently if he would speak with an English club with a big reputation about potentially moving there to coach.
The assumption was that it was Bolton Wanderers who were keen on Duff but he opted to snub the suggestion.
He said recently: “I’ve had a couple. Joey (O’Brien) rang me last week, a big club in England rang to see if I was interested and we didn’t even have the conversation.
“We just got back on to Shels. I think that shows my interest. No. Anybody could ring me, anybody. I’m not just saying it for the sake of it or to think, ‘Oh, he’s a good guy’.
“No, I honestly just want to stay here. I’m surrounded by brilliant people.”
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