New coach Duff vows to fight for Celts’ cause
DAMIEN DUFF has vowed to give his all as Celtic’s first-team coach because he knows how much the club means to the fans.
The Irishman has been promoted from reserves boss to become part of interim manager Neil Lennon’s backroom staff.
Brendan Rodgers has been branded a “fraud” and disloyal by furious Hoops fans after his shock departure to Leicester on Tuesday mid-title chase.
But former Republic of Ireland star Duff is committed to fighting for the Hoops glory bid.
He said: “I’m ready for it. I know the role and the club. It’s a massive honour. Celtic is more than a club.
“Here you’re fighting for more than that – you’re fighting for a cause as well.
“I know what the club means to fans. It means the same to me.”
Ex-Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham winger Duff will miss nurturing talent with the reserves but is ready for the step up as he tries to help Lennon and No.2 John Kennedy keep the top team out in front.
He said: “I felt like they were starting to really understand the way I work.
“The game against Kilmarnock reserves is the best they’ve been and for 70-80 minutes they were brilliant. I’ve enjoyed improving young players.
“I feel I’m good at it so I guess I’ll miss that side of it but I’ll still be keeping an eye on them and helping them whenever I can.
“Four or five of them trained with the first team after the Hearts game. That’s what the club’s built on, bringing youth through, so nothing will change.
“It’s a massive step up to the first team. There will be more quality and a quicker tempo but I’ll help the gaffer wherever I can.”