Michael Duffy knows how to kill an atmosphere. Duffy is a former Derry City winger currently on loan from Celtic at Alloa Athletic, who scored in Rangers 1-1 draw with Alloa at the weekend. The atmosphere was understandably jubilant at Ibrox, as Rangers fans welcomed their side as Scottish second division champions off the back of a cup semi-final win over Duffy's parent club Celtic.
Alloa began the game by welcoming Rangers to the field by observing a guard of honour, although Duffy did not participate, clasping his hands behind his back:
Then he went and did this to ensure, he really got under Rangers' skin on their celebration day.
Duffy says that he refused to recognise the guard of honour because he is a Celtic player, and subsequently revelled in scoring an early goal and the criticism that subsequently followed:
It was a class feeling [to score]. I’ve had a tough enough season but I’ve enjoyed it and the last month has been going well for me, especially to score at Ibrox - that’s just made my season. There’s nothing much else to it really. I play for Celtic so that’s the only real reason I did it.
I’m sure it will all die down after a while but it’s funny to see everyone go mad about it. It’s just the way it is being a Celtic player. There probably wouldn’t have been that much of a deal made about it if Rangers had won. It was Rangers’ party day and they were expecting to thrash us because we’re bottom of the league. The day didn’t go the way they wanted it to go but that’s just the way it is. It just all happened to work out well for me.
Duffy also said that he will return to Celtic next season to try to impress the man who succeeds Ronny Deila as manager. Whatever about the management, this past week is sure to find favour on the terraces at Celtic Park.
[Derry Journal]
