SHANE DUFFY has had the perfect start as he realises his lifelong ambition to play for Celtic.
The Republic of Ireland international central defender has scored in each of his two games as the champions have picked up maximum points in the wins in Dingwall against Ross County (5-0) and in Paisley against St Mirren (2-1).
Now Duffy is waiting to play his first game at Parkhead when Livingston visit tomorrow afternoon and Neil Lennon’s side have the opportunity to take pole position in the Premiership.
However, the 28-year-old powerhouse revealed his disappointment at playing in Paradise without a packed audience to see his long-cherished dream.
Duffy, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I’ve had a taste of iit from social media, but obviously I haven’t been able to experience the full thing yet through a full stadium or even a packed-out away end.
“It’s a real disappointment for me, but that’s just the world we live in now.
“I’m hoping all this madness goes away and I can really enjoy Celtic Park as the special place that it is.
“I’m hoping and praying that I’ll get to sample the full Celtic Park experience. I’m praying all this will be done before the end of the season – or else I might have to come back!”
HEADS I WIN (ONE)….Shane Duffy bullets in his first goal for Celtic against Ross County.
HEADS I WIN (TWO)…Shane Duffy leaves St Mirren keeper Bobby Zlamal helpless.
Duffy, of course, agreed a season-long loan from Brighton with the champions and aims to play his part in the club’s quest for a historic 10 titles in succession.
The man-mountain back-four operator continued: “I’m delighted with the results, which are the main thing. But it was also good to get off to a good start with a couple of goals and, hopefully, there’s more to come.
“I can score in every game if I get the chances.
“Celtic get a lot more free-kicks and corners than the other teams I’ve played for, so that gives me the opportunity to compete in the box and get my head on the ball. Scoring isn’t the main thing I concentrate on – that’s keeping clean sheets and winning games – but scoring is a part of my game I’ve always wanted to improve.
“I should have scored many more goals in my career, but I’ve missed a lot of chances and that’s something I want to correct.
“I want to convert more of the openings that come my way, but I’ve just got to keep at it and keep getting into the right positions. I know I’ll score eventually.”
Duffy is eyeing number one place in the league and added: “That’s why it’s important to beat Livingston. And Wednesday’s win was important, as well, because that was one of our games in hand and it was an awkward place to go and play.
“But it’s a great motivation for us to be back on top of the league because I feel we belong there.
“We’ll wait and see how Rangers get on, but we’ve got to take care of ourselves first by going out there and getting the job done.
“The most important thing is who’s at the top in May. Whoever is up there at the end deserves to be there – and we’re going to make sure it’s us. Hopefully, we can get a run of results, win every game between now and the next international break and go on to take it from there and have a good season.”
