Shane to shine and Duffy up Koeman
HUGHTON TIPS IRELAND ACE AGAINST HIS BOYHOOD CLUB
BRIGHTON boss Chris Hughton has hailed Republic of Ireland hero Shane Duffy – and backed him to shine against his boyhood club Everton tomorrow for good measure.
Defender Duffy (right), who began his career at Goodison Park before being sold to Blackburn, is currently having a week to remember.
He starred in Ireland’s historic victory over Wales in midweek which means Martin O’Neill’s side are through to the World Cup play-offs, against all the odds.
Now his club boss Hughton – an Ireland legend during his playing days – believes there is a lot more to come from the combative centre-half.
Hughton (below) said: “I watched the Republic game and I thought Shane was very good.
“He’s become a very comfortable international player now. And of course I was delighted to see the Republic go through.
“I’d love him to go on now and grace a World Cup because he’s already making real progress here. The fact he’s playing regularly at international level will only improve him – and a World Cup would do the same.” Everton may take a rueful look at Duffy’s performances for both club and country because the 25-year-old was a youth-team player with them on Merseyside from the age of 16. But he made only a handful of appearances during five years at the club and was allowed to leave for Ewood Park. “Shane speaks very well of Everton and the part they have played in his progress,” added Hughton. “But their loss is our gain. We’ve been delighted with him.” Duffy has formed a strong partnership in the heart of the Brighton defence with Lewis Dunk and the Seagulls hope the pair will frustrate struggling Everton. Hughton, however, has jumped to the defence of his opposite number Ronald Koeman following criticism of the Toffees’ dodgy start to the season. He said: “It’s unfair criticism because Koeman’s played four teams in the top six and he’s got new players. “Sometimes it can gel quickly, sometimes it takes longer. “But Koeman is a strong character. He’s a big enough manager and character to deal with it. He has quality players and I’m certain they will be all right in the end.” Brighton expect to have Glenn Murray up front after injury but Sam Baldock and Beram Kayal are not quite ready for tomorrow’s top-flight test.