Shelbourne claimed a massive win away to Sligo Rovers on Friday night, and manager Damien Duff was on the offensive in his post-match comments.
Former Southampton youngster Kameron Ledwidge has come in for criticism in some quarters this season, and Duff took issue with comments from an ex-Shelbourne player in his post-match interview.
Duff praised Ledwidge, and called the criticism of such a young Irish player "lower than low".
Shelbourne: Manager Damien Duff praises Kameron Ledwidge after recent criticism
Damien Duff's Shelbourne have struggled in the opening weeks of their return to the Premier Division. Just one win from their first seven games led to questions being asked of their ability to stay in the top flight.
Ex-Shelbourne man Karl Sheppard spoke on the RTÉ podcast last month, after his former club fell to a 3-0 home defeat to Finn Harps. Sheppard, who retired just last year, singled out young left-back Kameron Ledwidge for criticism.
I watched about 45 minutes of their game against Finn Harps and it would be very, very worrying if you're Damien Duff.
If I was an opposition manager I'd say, 'let them play out from the back and after one pass go and press them' because [Kameron] Ledwidge on the left side of the back three gave it away three, four times in a row.
That all led to huge chances for Finn Harps. It spreads panic among the back three. I'd be very worried for them.
Friday night brought a massive turnaround for Shels, however, as they claimed a shock 1-0 win on the road against Sligo Rovers. Rovers can move up to 2nd if they win their game-in-hand, so a win in Sligo is a massive statement from Duff's team.
Duff spoke to the Shelbourne social media team after the game - and had some choice words for Sheppard. Though he refused to name Sheppard, he noted the criticism of Ledwidge, and praised the Ireland U21s man for his role in the win in Sligo.
Watch reaction from Shels boss Damien Duff and Brendan Clarke after last night's brilliant win in Sligo now!
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📲 https://t.co/qoRoC1ExY4#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/XI3yYRaAbM— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) April 2, 2022
I have to mention Kameron Ledwidge. He was top-class tonight, he's playing in a position that he's learning day by day.
I pick up an article from two weeks ago...some ex-player referencing him, name checking him. He's a 20-year-old coming back from England, trying to rebuild his life, his career. To namecheck him, I thought, was lower than low.
I won't name check the ex-Shelbourne player who was having a pop at one of our players who we care deeply about - but I'll namecheck Kam. He was brilliant. Yes, he's a work in progress in that position, but he was absolutely world class tonight.
For me, he's an eye catching individual. I know a lot of players in the league have eyes on wanting to get to England - Kameron Ledwidge is one that can get back to England. But he doesn't need to be reported on when he's 20. So young and trying to rebuild his life. So, I thought that was poor. He knows who he is.
Ledwidge returned to Ireland after a tough spell at Southampton. The Shelbourne defender has made several appearances for Irish international teams at underage level.
Shelbourne took an early lead at the Showgrounds, meaning that their defence needed to hold firm against one of the strongest teams in the league for nearly an hour. Ledwidge's role in that will have given him a massive boost in confidence.
The goals keep coming.. 😅
Dan Carr dispatches his penalty coolly into the corner to give his side the lead 🎯@sligorovers 0-1 @shelsfc
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Damien Duff will be hoping that Friday night's win will spur Shelbourne on to a run of good results, as they attempt to consolidate their place in the Premier Division.
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