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Shane Duffy admits he feared the chance to sign for childhood heroes Celtic might have slipped away.
The Brighton defender has joined the Scottish champions on a one-year loan, but revealed that he saw an opportunity to sign former Parkhead coach Brendan Rodgers fail as he prepared to leave former club Blackburn in 2016.
The Republic of Ireland center-back said at his Celtic Park presentation: “There were talks a couple of years ago with Brendan, but nothing really came out and I ended up going to Brighton then.
“You are always afraid (the opportunity to sign had escaped him). Listen, it’s a huge club and you can’t decide when you’ll play for Celtic. They have to love you too and I’m delighted They loved me and showed so much interest in me. That’s another important factor why I am here.
“You always fear that it won’t happen, but I always believed in that and I believe that I can continue to progress in my career.”
📺 “It feels great to finally be here. It has been a very busy week for me. I am eager to get started and I can’t wait.”@shaneduffy gives an exclusive @CelticTV interview after arriving in Paradise. 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/fF389xoDIx
– Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 8, 2020
Hoops boss Neil Lennon beat out competition from top clubs from the south to land the 28-year-old and Duffy has vowed to give his all for the Celtic cause.
“It’s a completely different challenge to come here. The pressure to win every game and win trophies is something different for me.
“Yes (I had offers from Premier League clubs) 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, there was only one place I wanted to go.
“I am in a difficult stage of my career in which I have not played much in the last year.
“I had to make the right decision, but I feel like I’m at a good age to come here. Playing for Celtic is something I’ve wanted to do my entire career. I wanted to come here when I was at a good age where I can be successful, I’m delighted with the decision I made.
“It’s a huge thing for me, this is a huge club. Career-wise, that will be decided next season, but this season the focus is here. It’s up to me to perform week after week and win trophies for this club. That’s what I’m here to do. “
Meanwhile, two of Saturday’s Scottish Premiership matches will take place with some 300 fans in the stands as part of pilot events to bring the crowds back to football.
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock and Ross County v Celtic will each open their doors to a limited number of members of the public for the first time since the lockout forced suspension and then downsizing last season.
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