IRISH MANAGER Stephen Kenny has backed Shane Duffy’s decision to move to Celtic. The Ireland central defender was criticised by ex-Ireland International Gary Breen for moving away from the Premier League. Kenny supports Duffy’s move to the Scottish Champions, saying that it will offer him different experiences.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Kenny believes that it is better playing games for Celtic than sitting on the bench at Brighton.

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“Shane needs to play regularly. One thing about Shane going to Celtic is he’ll get a lot of matches playing in the Premiership and hopefully in the Europa League. Different challenges.”

The English-born defender, Gary Breen, has said that the move could see Duffy becoming a worse player as he will not be as tested as he would be in England. Breen, who had spells at Barnet and Gillingham, said that Duffy’s place in the Ireland set up would be at risk but Kenny has moved to rubbish these claims. Celtic gives Duffy first team football as well as the opportunity to play for his boyhood club, which can only help him play for Ireland as he helps Celtic compete domestically and in Europe.

Celtic face Sarajevo on Thursday with a place in the Europa League group stages at stake.