Ex-Celtic player links up with Damien Duff’s Shelbourne as boss reveals ‘I was always fond of him at Hoops’

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Damien Duff has enjoyed plenty of success in his own right since leaving Celtic.

The Irishman was a major part of Neil Lennon‘s coaching set-up in Glasgow for a year-and-a-half in what Duff described as the best of his career.

Lennon said it was a blow to lose Duff from his staff back in 2020 and it was to the Republic of Ireland he went to aid their national team under then-boss Stephen Kenny.

Duff has since moved to become Shelbourne manager and recently picked up a manager of the year award nomination in his rookie year.

The 45-year-old also helped guide the Irish club into Europe for the first time in 18 years and namechecked Celtic in doing so while Duff lifted the League of Ireland title following good grounding at Parkhead under Brendan Rodgers also.

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Kerr McInroy joins Shelbourne under ex-Celtic coach Duff

It is proof Duff has an eye for a player considering the accomplishments in Ireland and now he has moved quickly to snap up a former Hoops youngster to add to his squad for an assault on the trophy next season.

Former Celtic, Kilmarnock and Dunfermline defender Kerr McInroy was signed by Duff and joins the champions after being “desperate” to make the move upon a chat with the gaffer.

Duff, meanwhile, explained how he has always been fond of McInroy since his time with the Celtic academy.

And it made it a no brainer to sign him up whenever he became available.

Damien Duff always liked McInroy in the Celtic academy

“Kerr is a top class addition to the squad and we are all absolutely delighted he has come,” Duff said of signing the 24-year-old versatile full-back.

“Even more pleasing, he was desperate to join this special group which is always a great start.

“He is a classy guy on and off the pitch who plays beyond his years. He has had a top class football education at Celtic and is a player that I was always fond of when I was there.

“He trained and played with us last week and looked like he was here years.

“The players also accepted him very quickly which is shows he is a top player.”