Brighton boss Graham Potter talks up Shane Duffy's dressing room influence

By David Walton

September 15, 2020

Brighton boss Graham Potter has highlighted the influence Shane Duffy had in the Seagulls’ dressing room as he reacted to the prospect of life without the centre-back.

Potter allowed Duffy the opportunity to join Celtic this summer on a one-year loan deal. The Ireland veteran even opened his Parkhead account with a goal at Ross County on Saturday in his debut.

Much has been made of the leadership and guidance Duffy will bring to the Celtic dressing room too with a wealth of experience under his belt at the highest level.

Shane Duffy scores on his Celtic debut / (Photo by Paul Campbell/Getty Images)

And that influence has been highlighted by Brighton boss Potter, who reflected on both Duffy and veteran Glenn Murray’s summer departures.

As quoted by The Argus, Potter said: “They were really big characters and personalities. Unbelievable servants to the club.

“Both will go down in the history of this club as massive players because of what they achieved, in terms of getting promoted and stabilising in the Premier League.

“I have enormous respect for both the guys so you can imagine there is a bit of a change and a new dynamic in the dressing room. Players maybe grow a little bit more and other players that maybe weren’t so vocal can be now.”

Celtic’s dressing room isn’t short of vocal commanders

It’s clear that Duffy had a massive effect on the Brighton team both on and off the pitch. He just gives off the vibe of a proper team-player and a sensible leader of men.

However, it’s not as if this is a Celtic dressing room that is in desperate need of that. This is a club that really is full of incredible characters that don’t mind acting as on-pitch generals.

As well as the captain Scott Brown, you have vice-captain Callum McGregor who isn’t afraid to bark out the orders. The likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Christopher Jullien have also been seen on a host of occasions giving out guidance.

Shane Duffy and Christopher Jullien celebrate (Photo by Paul Campbell/Getty Images)

The fact that Brighton figures continuously acknowledge the hole Duffy has left at the Premier League club is a sign of what we’re in for this season. And it certainly bodes well.

Of course, all of that only matters if Duffy does the business on the pitch. He’s still effectively in pre-season mode, and even though he notched his first goal for the club at the weekend, there’ll be tougher challenges ahead.

Next up for Duffy and co is a trip to St Mirren tomorrow, and it’ll be a case of same again olease after the impressive 5-0 rout vs Ross County.