Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick talks up "massive" Celtic; sings praises of Duffy

By David Walton

September 2, 2020

Republic of Ireland and Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick has labeled Celtic “massive” as he talked up Shane Duffy’s excitement at moving to Parkhead.

Hendrick, an international teammate of Duffy’s, has played alongside the Parkhead new Bhoy over the last six years at international level.

Brighton-owned Duffy has officially finalised a one-year loan switch to Celtic, and will be available for selection after the international break when the Hoops head to Ross County.

Jeff Hendrick and Shane Duffy with Ireland (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

And Hendrick, who himself switched clubs this summer, has hailed both Celtic and Duffy ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Nations League matches.

As quoted by The42, Hendrick said: “Yeah, he’s excited. He’s a Celtic fan, it’s a massive club, a massive fanbase, it’s gonna be different for him. Playing in England he’s used to English football, but going up there will be great for him.

“I think he’s going to be loved, he’s a great player and gives everything to the team, and those fans up there that’s what they want to see, and 10 in a row would be something special for him.”

A refreshing win for Celtic over English rivals

One of the aspects that hasn’t really been spoken much about since the completion of the deal is how Celtic have managed to fend off English interest.

So often, Scottish football is overlooked when Premier League offers are on the table. However, according to the Scottish Sun, Duffy himself pleaded with Brighton to allow him to go to Parkhead. That’s despite the fact the likes of West Ham and West Brom were reportedly keen on him.

It’s a morale-boosting signing for Celtic in that sense. Even if Duffy is a Hoops supporter, we’ve still lost plenty of fans to English football over the years too.

Jeff Hendrick spoke well of Celtic and Duffy (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

It’s also refreshing to see players such as Hendrick talking up Celtic and the positives of a move to Scotland. Too often the feedback down south is full of negativity. Hendrick bucks the trend in that sense, so fair play to him.

Now, we await the end of the international break in the hope that there are no casualties to our first-team talents. Duffy included.

In other news, a Celtic-linked winger reportedly looks to be on the move for a fee that could rise to a staggering £18m.