Celtic are believed to have paid in the region of £2.5million to secure the services of Shane Duffy for the rest of the season and one admirer has come from an unlikely source.
Alan Hutton, speaking to Football Insider, reckons that the Republic of Ireland international will be a success at Parkhead, if he is used properly.
So what has Hutton said?
When reflecting on the deal that has seen the centre-half head north from Brighton and Hove Albion to face former defensive partner Connor Goldson across the city, he said:
“I wouldn’t say they’re missing a leader but I think he would definitely help.
“I think him coming in could help settle them down, he’s got a wealth of experience, both internationally and in the Premier League. If he was to just sit in the middle of Jullien and Ajer, that would be a great back three and something for them to build on.”
So is Hutton correct?
Duffy is known to be a solid and dependable defender who has been a key component to Brighton’s survival since they were first promoted to the Premier League and despite having his playing time restricted last season he still made 19 appearances in the top flight.
With over 30 caps for Ireland he has experience at the highest level of football and will be a huge asset to Neil Lennon’s squad, as Hutton rightly says though, he will be best suited to a back three rather than as a replacement for Kristoffer Ajer.
Is Ajer on his way out?
Yes
No
He isn’t blessed with blistering pace, nor is he used to defending on the half-way line, in a back three there would be less scope for him to be isolated whilst also allowing Ajer and Christopher Jullien the time and space to play out from the back.
Defensive reinforcements were always a priority but if Ajer is allowed to leave, the Hoops gaffer will be back to square one, especially with Duffy only being on loan, however, the prospect of a defence containing Duffy, Ajer and Jullien is one that is sure to fill Premiership strikers with fear up and down the country.