There is no doubt that is has been a difficult season so far for Shane Duffy.
Since making his loan move to Celtic at the start of the season, despite some early goals in his opening few games, things have quickly deteriorated with his team struggling in the title race and exiting the Europa League. Duffy's own form has been called into question, with a number of mistakes and poor performances displaying a lack of confidence .
DUFFFFFFY! 🇮🇪#CELKIL pic.twitter.com/0ss32H1PVu
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 13, 2020
The international breaks with Ireland haven't been much kinder, so Duffy is due an upturn in fortunes to get him back to the dominant presence he has been in the green shirt during recent campaigns.
Some welcome relief arrived today as Celtic ran out 2-0 winners against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park, where Duffy gave an assured performance that he rounded off with an excellent header to kill the game off in the second half.
David Turnbull's corner from the right was the perfect delivery for Duffy to cleverly evade his marker and whip a strong header into the bottom corner.
The Derry-man came close to scoring again minutes later when his glancing header narrowly missed the post. But a goal, clean-sheet and three points for Celtic is just the tonic Duffy needed heading into a crucial period for Celtic who trail Rangers by 13 points in a season where Celtic have the opportunity to win an historic tenth consecutive league title.
The toxic atmosphere around Celtic Park in recent weeks has heaped further pressure on Neil Lennon and his players, but the sight of a more confident and dominant Shane Duffy at both ends of the pitch will be a welcome sight for Celtic and Ireland fans.
Great performance from Celtic, @shaneduffy back to his best. Neil Lennon deserves some credit after the past few weeks. Team starting to click 🍀🍀🍀🍀
— Is Mise Turlough (@Mise_Turl) December 13, 2020
I’ve never wanted a Celtic player to succeed as much as I do big @shaneduffy
Love the big man 🇮🇪— Conario82 (@chrisconway1382) December 13, 2020
If that goal doesn’t boost @shaneduffy confidence nothing will!! What a header that was 👏👏💚💚🍀🍀
— ruth1888 🍀 (@ruthfaulds) December 13, 2020
Bit of love for @shaneduffy. Thought he was excellent today. Whole defence superb
— Andy Bell 🏴 (@AndyBellend73) December 13, 2020
He enjoyed that one alright! Out of the firing line, bit of a rest & a fresh fade has done him the world of good it seems! 😂 @CelticFC @shaneduffy 🍀💚
— Gee (@Geemc90) December 13, 2020
