It is funny how much things can change in just a few months. Shane Duffy had signed for Celtic on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in early September. Back then, the fans were delighted with the move and many even believed that he was going to be the best defender in all of Scotland.
It is safe to say that things have not gone as expected. The Republic of Ireland has appeared to be a mistake waiting to happen at the back for Celtic and most fans would have been hoping that the club found a way to cut his loan deal short in January.
Obviously, that has not happened and Duffy will end up staying at Parkhead till the end of the season. And while even Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter appears to be aware of his struggles, they are clearly in no hurry to take him back.
As reported by Glasgow Live, Potter said:
"“Shane is at Celtic for the season, that was the arrangement – he was keen to go there and Celtic were keen to have him.“It’s a season-long loan and we will assess at the end of that season, it’s probably not gone as well as he would have liked.“But I have said before that Shane is a fighter, he is a good character and a good guy. I am sure he will be fighting to make things better.”"
It is quite an understatement to say that Duffy’s stint at Parkhead has not gone “as well as he would have liked”. In reality, it has been an absolute nightmare for the defender.
It is not unknown that he grew up as a supporter of the Hoops and surely would have joined in hopes of being remembered as a 10IAR hero. Instead, the club find themselves 23 points behind the Rangers and his failed signing will probably always be remembered as one of the biggest reasons why Neil Lennon’s side failed so miserably in their quest for the Holy Grail.
It is an unenviable position to be in and it would have been better for both Celtic and Duffy to part ways in January. Unfortunately, there always was little chance of that happening as it would have been very difficult for Brighton and Hove Albion to find a club willing to pay his sky-high wages after his performances this season.