Celtic defender Shane Duffy has left his side's Dubai training camp and returned to the UK for personal family reasons.
The borrowed Brighton defender headed back to London last night – but Record Sport understands suggestions he was on the verge of cutting short his loan spell are wide of the mark.
Duffy is back on family matters and Celtic are still insisting the centre back will stay for the remainder of the season despite struggling since his move to the Premiership.
The Republic of Ireland star has failed to nail down a regular role in recent weeks after inconsistent displays, and was unconvincing after Neil Lennon called his number in last weekend’s Old Firm defeat at Ibrox.
Duffy is not expected to return to Brighton but it is understood there is some Championship interest in nabbing the 29-year-old for the rest of the campaign.
Former Celtic and Brighton man Adam Virgo is adamant Chris Hughton – who was Duffy’s gaffer at Albion – is keen to take him to Nottingham Forest.
Virgo said: “He looked a bag of nerves against Rangers.
“Unfortunately, he’s made too many mistakes which have led to goals.
“I don’t see Shane going back to Brighton because he won’t get in the side.
“Other clubs will take him in the Championship. I guarantee Chris Hughton, who had him at Brighton, would snap him up at Nottingham Forest.”
