Mccourt: Duffy will be a huge figure at Parkhead

PADDY Mccourt has backed Shane Duffy to be a hit at Celtic after the defender finalised a season-long loan deal from Brighton yesterday.

The 28-year-old, who is likely to feature in the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League game against Bulgaria tonight, has hailed the move as “a dream come true”.

Now Mccourt, a Hoops star between 2008-2013, has backed the Derry man to prove his worth at Parkhead and help boss Neil Lennon achieve 10 in a row.

“I think he’ll be an exceptional signing,” he said. “I think he’s an exceptional player and I think he has a head start on a lot of players who go to Celtic in terms of knowing what it means to represent the club and he knows what it means to fans to win.

“He has gone at the start of a season which could be memorable for a number of reasons, none more so in that they’re challenging for a 10th title in a row which has never been done before.”

Duffy has been handed the No.4 shirt at Parkhead made famous by club legend Jackie McNamara, and will be at the heart of Celtic’s title defence in what could be an historic season.

“It’s absolutely huge and I feel it’s going to be a very tight season,” Mccourt continued.

“There was disappointment to go out in the qualifying stages in the Champions League. The Champions League is a bonus for Celtic, but the bread and butter for the players is winning your domestic title and also challenging for the cups.

“Over the last number of seasons Celtic have dominated in that respect, but asking anyone from up there, this is the real pinnacle of that run now and one they are determined not to let pass them by.”