Brighton chief-executive Paul Barber has paid tribute to "magnificent" Shane Duffy as he edges closer to joining Celtic.
The Republic of Ireland international is set to join his boyhood heroes on a loan deal for the rest of the season.
Neil Lennon has made the centre-back his number one target and is set to fend off interest from West Ham United in bringing Duffy to Parkhead.
Barber admits he'll be gutted to see the 28-year-old go as he appeared resigned to the player's exit, insisting it's with respectful reluctance that Seagulls boss Graham Potter is allowing him to head for Celtic.
He told talkSPORT : “Shane has been absolutely magnificent for us, literally from the day he joined.
“He is a massive character on the pitch, he is an even bigger character off the pitch. He is loved by everyone at the club.
“It is a difficult decision for Graham because there are so many centre-backs you can accommodate in one line-up, but Shane has been magnificent.
“We will be disappointed if we do lose him, but we also understand he wants to play football."
Duffy joined Brighton in 2016 and played an integral role in the club's promotion to the Premier League in his first season.
