GARY BOWYER has tipped his former player Shane Duffy to make his move to Celtic permanent following the announcement that the 28-year-old will join the Scottish Champions on a season-long loan deal. The Irish defender will join up following the international break and the former Blackburn Rovers manager told the Daily Record that if things go well for Duffy and Neil Lennon, they may seek a full-time solution.
Bowyer is sure that Lennon will rely on the defender throughout the season and after the year, the lifelong Celtic fan may look to switch Brighton for Glasgow for good.
“I can definitely see him being the sort of player Neil will rely on. He wants to play games and from what I’ve read, he’s turned down further opportunities in the Premier League to move to Scotland.
“I don’t know what’s been agreed, but if this year proves to be successful, he may want to stay beyond the loan deal and maybe stay the rest of his career, the sort of fan he is.
“Celtic are getting someone very passionate about playing for them and there’s no doubt, being part of what could be an historic season was a huge part of his decision.
“He’s a warrior and loves defending. Shane’s a massive physical presence in both boxes and will be a big threat in the opposition’s penalty area with set pieces.
“He’ll throw his body around, he’s a brave lad, will put his head in and most importantly, he wants to win and being a Celtic fan, the fans will really appreciate that.”
Duffy was raised in Derry and grew up as a Celtic supporter, the move is a dream come true for him and his family. He will be looking forward to getting started as the Hoops look to win 10IAR. He made 130 appearances with the Premier League side and scored 8 goals as they battled to safety, instead of moving within England, he decided to move to Celtic.
