Shane Duffy is determined to put his Celtic nightmare behind him and return to form next season.
The central defender put in a Man of the Match performance for the Republic of Ireland in their 0-0 friendly draw with Hungary in Budapest last night.
Duffy’s loan to Celtic Park from Brighton was cut short before the end of the Scottish Premiership season after the defender suffered a torrid time.
He was brought in on loan for £2million by Neil Lennon last summer and despite a strong start, his performance levels dipped massively and he became a figure of ridicule as Rangers ran away with the league title.
Duffy left Celtic’s controversial winter training camp in Dubai for personal reasons in January and played his last game for Celtic on 14 February.
The 29-year-old was grateful to national boss Stephen Kenny for reinstating him to the Ireland team after a period on the sidelines and he admitted he finally enjoyed playing again.
Duffy said: “It’s always tough when you go through a tough spell and I think most footballers do in some part of their career.
“I’ve gone through it, I’ve got a great manager here who trusts me.
“I’ve got no complaints about not playing in the team. I’ve tried to play my role, I’ve tried to help the younger lads.
“I haven’t been playing football, so I have total belief and thanks to the manager for giving me a game first and foremost.
“I enjoyed it again, I sort of forgot what it felt like to play football.
“Hopefully that’s the bad bit over and a little rest and I’m ready to be back next season, kick on and show everyone how good I am.”
