As we get set for the second international break of the season, it’s important to remember that Shane Duffy is effectively to have a stinker for the Republic of Ireland.
Or at least that’s what Gary Breen was hinting at when he made his disrespectful comments about the Hoops and Scottish football last month.
Remember, Breen told Off the Ball that Duffy could pick up “bad habits” during his time at Parkhead, and said that Ireland should be “concerned” that he’s moving to such a lower level of football in the Scottish Premiership. Duffy signed on loan from Brighton in September.
But the big Irishman can do Scottish football a big favour and make an impression in Ireland’s games against Slovakia, Wales, and Finland over the course of the break.
Ireland take on the Slovakians in a Euro 2020 semi-final playoff, before a Nations League double-header against Wales and Finland. They’re massive games for Duffy and his country, and he comes into them having already played seven games for Celtic.
Duffy can wipe away any concerns with some strong performances
Celtic and Scottish football has had plenty of backing since Breen made the remarks. Duffy himself stated that he disagreed strongly with him (FourFourTwo), whilst Republic boss Stephen Kenny believes the move to Parkhead will actually help Ireland (Scottish Sun).
However, nothing would be more satisfying than for Breen to genuinely be proven wrong through Duffy’s performances. Not because we simply disagree with him, but because it’s symbolic of the arrogance shown towards the Scottish game by English-born pundits.
Given he’s now been playing in a totally different style for Celtic than what he’s used to at Brighton, the centre-back will have had plenty of time to pick up those bad habits. Although it’s difficult to even know what kind of habits Breen was on about.
In fact, if we’re going to get serious, he came with the odd bad habit. In his first few games, Duffy has had some careless and sloppy moments – particularly against the likes of Ross County and Hibernian. It’ll be down to Celtic to iron those out in the long-run.
But some promising displays will be a victory for Scottish football in that regard. Hopefully, Duffy’s consistency in playing as part of a high line will help him further when he plays for his national team.
Hopefully, the big man does us proud before returning for a colossal clash against Rangers at Parkhead.
In other news, it’s been an absolutely manic day for a youngster who departed Celtic last night.
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