CELTIC boss Neil Lennon dismissed Gary Breen’s remarks about Shane Duffy as being “completely wrong” as he prepared his squad for tomorrow night’s Premierhip game against St Mirren in Paisley.
The former Ireland international defender expressed concerns about the centre-back’s season-long loan move from Brighton, as CQN reported.
Breen went as far as to suggest Duffy’s Republic of Ireland international career could be in jeopardy while he is in Scotland and could pick up bad habits.
Lennon, speaking in the Daily Record, said: “Gary’s comments are totally unnecessary, unfounded and there’s no substance to them whatsoever. Completely wrong.
“That’s someone that doesn’t know the game up here.
“I think this will be great for Shane’s career, great for his profile – it’ll make him a better player and that means a better player for Ireland, as well.
“He had a great debut and got better as the game went on so he should take a lot of confidence from that and everyone was delighted for him.”
Duffy made his debut for his boyhood favourites in the 5-0 victory over Ross County at the weekend and the 28-year-old defender capped a fine display with a thunderous header for the third goal.
Lennon also noted that Hamilton Accies confirmed three positive Covid-19 tests earlier today.
He said: “Well, first of all, I hope that the people involved are okay.
“And it’s probably just something that we’re going to have to sort of live with as we go along.
“We are trying to do everything right, but sometimes these things can happen and can be out of someone’s control, so we’re just going to have to get on with things.
“It’s a question of carrying on as best we can and, hopefully, getting through this and out the other side of it.
“I don’t know what advantage would be gained by stopping things and starting them up again.
“I don’t know how feasible that would be to start with, in terms of fixtures and the way the calendar is set out.
“I am hoping it won’t be necessary – unless there is a deluge and it gets out of control.
“It seems to be, in conjunction with a lot of other leagues around the world, you are getting a few positive tests.”But we’ve got to carry, we must keep it going, I think it’s vital that we do.”
St Mirren were without three goalkeepers through coronavirus restrictions for Saturday’s visit of Hibs and had to send out an SOS to hearts for their back-up No.1 Bobby Zlamal. The Easter Road side won 3-0.
