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Ireland's Shane Duffy marks Celtic debut with a goal

Celtic's acquisition of Shane Duffy has paid immediate dividends as the Republic of Ireland defen...



Ireland's Shane Duffy marks Ce...
Soccer

Ireland's Shane Duffy marks Celtic debut with a goal

Celtic's acquisition of Shane Duffy has paid immediate dividends as the Republic of Ireland defender netted a goal on his debut for the Scottish club. 

One of Ireland's most reliable goalscorers, it will come as little surprise that Shane Duffy opened his scoring tally at Celtic with a header.

The saviour for Stephen Kenny's side when Ireland were in desperate need of an equalising goal against Bulgaria in the new manager's first game in charge, Duffy has now grabbed a goal for Neil Lennon's team.

Away to Ross County, Celtic were 2-0 ahead when Duffy struck in the second-half to make it 3.

Celtic went on to score two more goals and round out an impressive 5-0 win.

Signed on a loan deal from Brighton & Hove Albion, Shane Duffy explained upon moving to the Scottish champions what it meant for him personally.

"There was talks a couple of years ago under Brendan but nothing really came from it and I ended up going to Brighton then," he explained.

"You always fear [the chance to sign had slipped away]. Listen, it's a huge club and you can't just decide when you're going to play for Celtic.

"They have got to want you as well and I'm delighted they wanted me and showed such interest in me. That's another big factor in why I'm here. You always fear it might not happen but I always have that belief and I believe I can keep progressing in my career.

"It's a different challenge completely coming here. The pressure of winning every game and winning trophies is something different for me.

"I did (have offers from clubs in the Premier League) but I had to sit down and think about it. But as soon as I got the call to say the deal can be done here then there was only one place I wanted to go.

"I'm in a difficult stage in my career in that I haven't played a lot over the last year.

"I had to make the right choice but I feel I'm at a good age to come here. Playing for Celtic is something I've wanted to do my whole career. I wanted to come here when I was at a good age where I can be successful. I'm delighted with the decision for me."

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