The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Massive step-up but Duff ready to fight for the club
CELTIC: Promoted coach says he’s keen to provide whatever help is required
Damien Duff is ready to fight for the cause at Celtic in his new role as firstteam coach.
The Irishman recently joined the club’s coaching set-up, initially working with the reserves, but after Tuesday’s shock departure of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester he was moved up to form part of interim boss Neil Lennon’s backroom staff, along with John Kennedy.
On Wednesday night the new management team debuted with a lastgasp 2-1 win at Hearts, a result which keeps the Hoops eight points clear of Rangers at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Former Republic of Ireland international Duff said he is keen to provide whatever help is required for success.
“I’m ready for it,” he said. “I know the role and I know the club, and 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, so I’m ready.
“I understand the club and, Celtic Football Club aside, myself and football. I’m all about emotion and enthusiasm.”
Duff admits there is a part of him “that’s sad to see the back of the reserves for now.”
The 39-year-old former Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham player said: “I felt like they were starting to really understand me and the way I work.
“The game against the Kilmarnock reserves is the best they’ve been, and for 70-80 minutes they were brilliant.
“What I’ve enjoyed up until now is 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.
“There were four or five of them training with the first team after the Hearts game.
“That’s what the club’s built on, bringing youth through so nothing’s going to change.
“It’s obviously a massive step-up to the first team. There will be more quality and a quicker tempo, but I’ll just be helping the gaffer and John wherever I can. That’s what I’m here for.”