'I can't wait'; Christopher Jullien is relishing the arrival of Shane Duffy at Celtic training

By John McGinley

September 9, 2020

Celtic defender Christopher Jullien can’t wait to train and play in matches alongside position rival Shane Duffy, he’s shared in an interview with The Celtic View this week (09/09 print edition, page 13).

Competition breeds success and in Duffy, Jullien has a new teammate that will put his place in the Celtic starting eleven at risk if Neil Lennon persists with a two-man defensive unit.

The Frenchman will know that he has to perform to a high standard to keep his spot in the team.

However, he’s relishing the opportunity and simply can’t wait to get to know the Republic of Ireland captain.

Christopher Jullien celebrates scoring for Celtic / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He told The Celtic View (09/09 print edition, page 13): “I can’t wait to have everyone back in so we can work hard and refocus our domestic challenges in the weeks ahead.

“I can’t wait to meet Shane as well. Every player that’s come through the doors since I’ve been at Celtic has been great, and is keen to get to know everyone right away – both on and off the pitch.

“Shane’s a defender, so we’re probably going to play alongside each other and I can’t wait to share our duties and goals together.”

While the defender is likely talking about their goals as ambitions, both players do add a significant aerial threat in the opposition box.

Jullien scored seven efforts for the club last season and has added two already this term.

Celtic defender Shane Duffy / (Photo By Alex Nicodim/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Duffy meanwhile has a history of big goals for club and country, most recently netting a last-minute equaliser away to Bulgaria.

It could be quite the partnership and if we can start to get set-pieces right, opponents may not be able to cope with the assault on their posts.

First and foremost they must provide the defensive foundation for success and hopefully they work together well at the heart of Neil Lennon’s backline.

In other news, Luca Connell sounds delighted with his progress at Celtic despite a lack of match action.