Shane Duffy linked with surprise January Celtic exit

Shane Duffy has been linked with a surprise move in January that would see him seal a Celtic exit and join the Championship side.

At this point of time, most Celtic fans probably want Shane Duffy to leave the club as soon as possible. With every passing game, it becomes clearer that it is not going to work out for him at Parkhead.

When he had signed on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, it was something that the supporters were clamouring for. After all, he had grown up as a Celtic fan and as a player proven in the Premier League, he was viewed as someone who could solidify the defence and help secure 10IAR.

The reality has been very different. Instead of being the no nonsense defender that everybody had expected, he has looked like a mistake waiting to happen at the back. And the fact that Nir Bitton started ahead of him on Saturday against the Rangers should tell you everything you need to know about his standing in the squad.

According to the Nottingham Post, Adam Virgo believes that he could be thrown a lifeline though by former manager Chris Hughton, who is currently at Nottingham Forest:

"“He looked a bag of nerves against Rangers.“Unfortunately, he’s made too many mistakes which have led to goals.“I don’t see Shane going back to Brighton because he won’t get in the side.“Other clubs will take him in the Championship. I guarantee Chris Hughton, who had him at Brighton, would snap him up at Nottingham Forest.”"

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It is not hard to see why Hughton would be interested in a reunion with the Republic of Ireland international. After all, Duffy played his best football under the manager. And with Nottingham Forest hovering above the relegation zone, he could turn towards someone he knows and trusts.

To be brutally honest, if Celtic do have the option to send him back to his parent club in January, they should not think twice. While not a bad player at all, the Hoops’ style just doesn’t suit Duffy and his confidence is completely shot at this point of time. Although bitter, parting ways makes sense for both parties.

Duffy is believed to be on massive wages and that would be off the bill immediately with his departure. Also, it is time that the Hoops signed a new defender with Christopher Jullien set to miss three to four months of action due to injury.