It doesn’t really feel like the best time for anyone to find a new job, but a re-shuffle behind the Scenes for the Republic of Ireland side has opened up some opportunities.
Stephen Kenny was expected to take over after EURO 2020 but it sounds like the postponement and current break have urged the FAI to accelerate those plans, and that also involves Damien Duff.
According to a report from The BBC, Duff will form part of the new backroom team from August this year, which could be interesting if things do change and the Premiership has to play to a finish.
He will join Keith Andrews and Alan Kelly, but it’s easy to see why they would want Duff for the role.
READ MORE: Celtic legend John Hartson’s failed Ibrox medical, One’s called Ronald
He’s a legendary ex player with 100 international caps in his time, while he’s also very highly rated as a coach so he will be missed at Celtic park.
While it’s common to see coaches hold both club and international roles, everything here suggests he will be leaving Celtic during international periods so it could leave Lenny needing a new member of his own coaching staff.
This was also reported by The Sun, who picked up on comments from the CEO of the FAI too and he’s certainly a big fan of the Celtic coach:
“The calibre of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team is top class and these are great additions to our senior team coaching staff.
“Keith and Damien served Ireland so well as players and their experience will be such an addition to our senior squad’s support team.
Celtic have confirmed that Duff will combine his duties with the FAI role. However, Celtic may be considering strengthening the backroom staff under Neil Lennon. Alan Thompson, Gary Parker and Johan Mjallby were all a part of Lennon’s backroom staff during his first time at Celtic; however, they weren’t invited back when Lennon took the job again in May.
🇮🇪 Damien Duff has agreed to join the Republic of Ireland coaching staff from the 1st August. He will continue in his role as first team coach at #CelticFC. https://t.co/O8RTDXgVJ3
— Celtic Football Club (from 🏡) (@CelticFC) April 5, 2020
Could a move for Mjallby or another coach be worth strengthening as Duff is set to take on another role?
Support Celtic Youth Development
Help raise money for Celtic Youth Development by joining the £1 weekly lottery and you could win up to £25,000 – just click on any one of the photographs below to join. Lots of our readers have already done so and they’re now doing their bit to help fund Celtic Youth Development that can deliver the stars of tomorrow and beyond. And you might even win a few bob too! And a special thank you to all The Celtic Star readers who have already signed up and are now supporting youth development to give us the Celtic Stars of the future…
Take The Celtic Star’s Photo Tour of Celtic Park and enjoy our stunning photos from inside Paradise RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.
