Celtic confirm capture of Shane Duffy on season long loan

Ireland international defender Shane Duffy has completed his move to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic on a season long loan.

Duffy's game time with Brighton this year has been limited under manager Graham Potter, with the 28-year-old player making just 21 appearances in total last season.

Compare this to the 2018/19 season when he lined out on 40 occassions and the season before he enjoyed a total of 38 appearances across all competitions.

Potter has also signed a new central defender in Joel Veltman with Ben White also agreeing an improved contract too. 

With all of that taken into consideration, a move away from the AMEX always looked likely for the Irish international and Celtic confirmed the loan signing on Wednesday morning.

Duffy has made over 100 appearances for Brighton since joining the club in 2016 and has been a key figure at the back for the Seagulls following their promotion to the Premier League in 2017. 

As Celtic go in search of their tenth consecutive Premier League title this season, manager Neil Lennon will be delighted to get a player with so much experience into the squad.

Speaking to the club website, Lennon expressed his delight at getting the Duffy deal over the line.

"“We are delighted to bring a player of Shane’s quality to Celtic. He is an international player with so many great attributes. He is a leader and a warrior – he is someone with real ability and who will also give us that great physical presence.  

“We can’t wait to get Shane involved in the squad as we look to the many challenges ahead.



"This is a real coup for the club and we are delighted we have been able to fend off English Premier League interest."

Duffy is currently in Bulgaria on international duty with the Republic of Ireland with their new Nations League campaign set to get underway on Thursday.

He spoke to FAITV briefly following the official annoucement by Celtic.

"I'm delighted, it has taken a little while to get it done but I'm absolutely over the moon.

"To make this move and for the club to want me is a really special moment for me," said Duffy. "I'm really excited to get up there now and get going and hopefully I can help to bring more success to the club.

"People will know the connection with Derry, Ireland and Celtic and it's all we knew growing up really. The older I've got I've been lucky enough to attend a few games and experience the incredible atmosphere. When you are a kid, it really is a dream to one day be able to say that you've played for Celtic.



"I had all of the jerseys and tops growing up and to now get to run out in Celtic Park and play for the club is an absolute honour and hopefully I can do them proud."

    About Brendan Graham

    Brendan Graham has had a few stints with Extratime.ie and is back writing with them since November 2017.Brendan is a fan of Bohemian F.C and has been to most of the League of Ireland grounds … View Full Profile