SHANE DUFFY has admitted he is his “biggest critic” as he prepares to be unveiled at Celtic as the latest piece in Neil Lennon’s 10-in-a-row jigsaw.
The powerhouse central defender knocked back top-flight interest in England to agree a season-long loan deal with his boyhood favourites from Brighton.
The 28-year-old arrives at Parkhead on the back of two international appearances for the Republic of Ireland against Bulgaria and Final in the UEFA Nations League.
Duffy scored a last-gasp equaliser against the Bulgarians, but struggled against the Finns in his country’s 1-0 loss in Dublin.
The 6ft-plus defender admitted he wasn’t quite up to speed in his first games of the season.
Duffy, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It’s been tough, very tough. I haven’t played a lot of football in a year. That’s where I want to be, playing every week. I know it’s not perfect, I’m my biggest critic and I’ve got to improve and keep going.
“I know what I need to do, to get back to my best. Those slight seconds for the goal the other night, you’re tired. You try and stay up and go on the run.
“I back myself and I don’t see many players really getting the better of me. I’ve got to deal with big spaces and being on the ball, I’ve got to get better with that.
“It’s easier said than done. I keep going back to it, we’re not at match fitness. There’s a lot of improvement to be done.”
Duffy is standing by to make his Hoops debut against Ross County in Dingwall at the weekend.
