Brighton assistant manager Billy Reid can’t talk highly enough of Shane Duffy, as he believes Celtic have just bagged themselves a “monster”.
Reid has worked with Duffy ever since he joined the Seagulls as Graham Potter’s assistant back in July 2018. Duffy had already been at the club for two years by then.
Celtic fans caught their first glimpse of the new man on Thursday night, as he powered home a last-minute header to bag Ireland a crucial point in Bulgaria to open their Nations League campaign. He was, however, also at fault for the Bulgarians’ goal, having not played a full 90 minute game since June.
But Reid believes Celtic are getting an incredible talent in the Irishman. Speaking to the Daily Record, the Brighton boss couldn’t help but launch the superlatives Duffy’s way:
“Shane is a massive character in the dressing-room and I think it’s a coup for Celtic to get him. Celtic have got an absolute winner. He’s a beast in both boxes and he’ll cause mayhem up in Scotland.
“He’s a monster of a centre-back and I genuinely expect him to overpower people up in Scotland. He attacks the ball really well in both boxes and can head it for miles. He could be a colossus for Celtic this season. Listen, Duffy is a Premier League player.
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“This isn’t a guy who’s on his last legs – he’s 28 and in his prime. It’s an incredible signing for Celtic. In terms of standard of player, he’s above the Scottish Premiership. He’ll be above the level of player up in Scotland.”
A fast start or a slow integration?
Celtic fans have been frustrated in recent weeks by certain players at the club not being ready for action despite some big games coming around.
For example, Patryk Klimala has seldom been given minutes on the pitch, whilst Albian Ajeti is also taking some time to get himself upto speed.
There’s no certainty that Duffy won’t fall into the same bracket. His performance against Bulgaria on Thursday was his first full competitive match in three months. Celtic boss Neil Lennon’s habit of being a tad hesitant in throwing those lacking in match sharpness into the team could be a factor when he selects his team for Dingwall.
However, fortunately, Duffy has had a full pre-season under his belt with Brighton. He’ll have featured in bounce games and should be ready to go when he arrives in Scotland. With another potential 90 minutes awaiting him this afternoon against Finland, he should be prepared for a trip to Ross County on Saturday.
Many Hoops fans will likely be tuned into tonight’s game between Ireland and Finland. A more polished display will be on many minds too after Duffy’s defensive error against Bulgaria the other night.
Ideally, we have the big man arriving in Scotland with plenty of confidence later this week. But regardless, it’s evident he should tower above any level of player he comes up against here.