What a few months it has been for Damien Duff. Only a short time ago he was in charge of the Shamrock Rovers u15's, but now he finds himself as part of the Celtic first team coaching staff. He was on the sideline for the first time last night, with the Glasgow club snatching a late winner against Hearts in Neil Lennon's first game back in charge.
Speaking to Celtic TV, the former Republic of Ireland winger says that the last few months have been a bit of a rollercoaster, but he is more than ready for the opportunity that has presented itself.
📺 "I know the role, I know the club, it's a massive honour. I'm all about emotion and enthusiasm. That's just me."
New first team coach Damien Duff sits down for an exclusive interview with @CelticTV. pic.twitter.com/KGuN0Fd4LP— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 28, 2019
It was only three or four months ago that I'm with the Shamrock Rovers u15's, playing in the national league there, and all of a sudden I'm on the sideline for the Celtic first team. So you have to have a giggle about the last couple of days. It's probably the quickest promotion known to man in any job!
But listen, I know the role, I know the club, I'll crack on with it. It's a massive honour. It's more than a club, like Barcelona's motto. Here you are fighting for more than that, you're fighting for a cause and I understand that. I know what the club means to the fans, and it means the same to me, so I'm ready.
His first game on the sideline hardly could have been more dramatic, with Odsonne Eduoard grabbing a last minute winner for The Hoops.
Duff loved every second of it, saying the madness of such moments is what drives him on:
Celtic football club aside, even in football I'm all about emotion and enthusiasm, that's me. I probably go hand in hand with the gaffer on that.
It was an amazing win, it makes a statement. I guess the rest of the league would have been smelling blood after the gaffer left. But it's in safe hands will Neil coming in, and John there as well.
