Celtic’s latest transfer business has been hailed as “game changing” by former Scotland and Rangers boss, Alex McLeish, who has backed Shane Duffy to be a resounding success at Parkhead and rise the level of those around him.
Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish reveals just what makes him so impressed with the signing of the Republic of Ireland skipper.
So what has McLeish said?
When asked if he believes that Duffy can make a difference at Celtic, he said:
“Celtic, I think, have done a fantastic piece of business this week with Duffy.
“Shane Duffy, who’s a colossal, big centre-half and he’s the type of centre-half that will cause mayhem in the opposition box at set-pieces so that’s a wee bit of a game changer as well coming from the Celtic side.
“Duffy will give them that bit of reassurance and strength.
“You know when good players come to your club, the others feed off it. The others don’t want to be left behind, they go: ‘Phwoar, this guy’s some player, I’m going to prove I can impress him as well.’
“That’s what happens when you make a lot of real quality signings.”
So is McLeish correct?
Duffy’s physicality is the exact reason why Neil Lennon brought the Brighton centre-half to Glasgow, despite being the best defence in the league, they have – on occasions – been guilty of being susceptible to more aggressive strikers.
Do you think Duffy will stay beyond this season and sign a permanent deal?
Yes
No
He will do the defensive basics well and leave the likes of Christopher Jullien and Kris Ajer to distribute the ball or carry it out from the back, there will, of course, always be a five yard pass to Scott Brown available too.
His goal for Ireland that saved a point against Bulgaria in the Nations League showed his effectiveness at the other end of the field, a towering header from 12 yards out a taste of things to come from the boyhood Hoops fan.