SHANE DUFFY realised a lifetime ambition when Celtic agreed a £2million season-long loan fee to sign him from Brighton on September 2 2020.
Unfortunately, the Republic of Ireland international centre-back’s dream move all too quickly disintegrated into a nightmare during the Hoops’ shambolic campaign that ended without a trophy for the first time in 11 years.
The hopes of a record-breaking tenth successive title were blown long before the end of a disastrous season played out in the eerie silence of empty stadium during the pandemic.
And yet Duffy’s brief stay at his boyhood heroes had kicked off so well with a goal in each of his first two games against Ross County and St Mirren, both wins away from home.
RISE AND SHINE…Shane Duffy, watched by Ryan Christie, heads clear during his second game for Celtic against St Mirren when he scored in a 2-1 win in Paisley.
But it all went wrong when the crusade collapsed and the defender and his team-mates endured a torrid time in a massively disappointing campaign that saw Neil Lennon sacked after a loss in Dingwall in February 2021.
Duffy played a total of 27 games for Celtic, the final appearance coming in a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on February 14 with 10 league matches still to play.
At least, the rugged back-four operator had a winner’s medal to look back on during his time at his idols.
Duffy was in the line-up that sealed the phenomenal quadruple treble when they beat Hearts in the Covid-delayed Scottish Cup Final five days before Christmas.
Rookie keeper Conor Hazard was the unlikely hero with two superb penalty saves in the spot-kick shoot-out after the silverware showdown had ended 3-3 after extra-time.
Derry-born Duffy took to social media to applaud the Celtic fans for their support during a difficult period.
He wrote: “Grateful for the opportunity to get the chance to play for a club that many dream about doing.
“Thanks to the supporters and the players for helping me through a tough year on and off the field. Not many know what goes on behind the scenes.
“Time to hit restart and get myself sorted. Celtic Football Club will always have a place in my heart.
“Hail hail.”
Duffy joined Fulham on a temporary transfer in August 2022 and the move was made permanent in February.
In early June 2023, he signed for Championship club Norwich City on a free transfer.
In April 2026, Duffy left Carrow Road at the end of his contract and now, at the age of 34, the 61 times-capped international is on the look-out for a new club.
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