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Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy has joined Celtic on a one-year loan deal.
The Brighton defender is currently on international service with Ireland as they prepare to face Bulgaria and Finland in the nations league, but will join Celtic next week.
The 28-year-old had fallen through the pecking order at Amex Stadium in recent months and will now spend the 2020-21 campaign with the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.
Celtic coach Neil Lennon praised Duffy’s capture, saying: “We are delighted to bring a player of Shane’s quality to Celtic. He is an international player with so many excellent attributes. He is a leader and he is a warrior, someone with real ability and who will also give us that great physical presence.
“I also know that he is a player who will bring great personality to the dressing room. He is a real blow to the club. From the beginning, Shane wanted to come to Celtic and we are delighted that we were able to defend ourselves against the English Premier.” League interest.
“We are delighted with Shane’s decision to come and I am delighted with the business Nick Hammond and the board have done, not just by bringing Shane to Celtic, but through the window.”
My dream of playing for Celtic is here. I can’t thank everyone who helped me make this move enough. I will give my all to make this club successful while I’m here now let’s do it I CAN’T wait ☘️ pic.twitter.com/J5wFWdi5UV
– Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) September 2, 2020
For Duffy, it’s a new challenge and he admits that it took him little to convince him to join a club he’s supported.
“I am really delighted to sign this agreement with Celtic,” he said. “It is a great honor for me to join Celtic, such a great institution and a brilliant football club that I have always loved and admired.
“People know the connection to Derry, Ireland and Celtic. It’s all we knew growing up, really.
“As I got older, I was lucky enough to go to some games and get a taste of the atmosphere. It’s my childhood club and it’s literally a dream when you’re a kid playing for Celtic.
“I’ve had all the tops over the years so now to be able to experience it and go out to Celtic Park and play for the club you love is a great honor. Hopefully I can make them proud.”
“It will be a fantastic personal moment for me when I put on the Celtic jersey. It’s just a great feeling. I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Club now and I can’t wait to start working with the manager.” staff and players when he returns from international service with Ireland.
“We will be challenging on many fronts this season and I am very excited to get started as we try to bring the fans more and more success.”
Follow Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland this Thursday via our RTÉ.ie live blog and RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on RTÉ 2fm’s Game On.
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