Celtic’s acquisition of Damien Duff could prove to be one of the smartest bits of business the club has done in years.
It was an occurrence yesterday that went under the radar. Despite that, however, Duff is set to join up with the Hoops in the near-future after a deal has been completed.
Shamrock Rovers confirmed on their official website that Duff was leaving for Celtic. In a heartfelt message, they thanked the former Fulham and Chelsea man for his services.
Shamrock’s loss, however, is sure to be Celtc’s gain as he gets set to work with the youths at Parkhead.
Duff is one of the most recognisable Irishman to have featured in the English Premiership. His glittering career saw him make over 500 appearances for the likes of Fulham, Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United.
His experience is going to be of incredible value to the Celtic youngsters. In terms of decorated footballers, he’ll be the biggest name to have coached the youth players at Celtic since the formation of Lennoxtown.
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Duff’s coaching career is a successful one
Duff’s first coaching gig came at Shamrock in 2017. After a two-year period working with the under-15s, Shamrock feel that many of them will soon be making the step-up to senior level. Many of these players will have been given their start in the game by Duff.
Celtic have had a handful of successful academy graduates in recent times. Callum McGregor, James Forrest, and Kieran Tierney all came through the youth system at Parkhead. The likes of Anthony Ralston and Mikey Johnston also came through the ranks.
Despite that, there have been plenty of talented youngster who haven’t been able to make that same step-up.
That’s not to say that Duff will bring on every player that comes through the Lennoxtown door. What he does provide, however, is a track-record of success in this area.
In the next several years, you can surely start expecting more talented youngsters to make the big step-up at Celtic. This is a long-term project that will take plenty of time.
But with Duff’s experience at the highest level combined with his track-record of success – Celtic may have made one of their shrewdest appointments in years.