Duff Love

Damien Duff is revelling in his new and unexpected role in Paradise.

- Tony Connelly

A WEEK in football is a long time and for Damien Duff, last week was life-changing. The Irishman now finds himself part of Neil Lennon’s coaching staff as Celtic pursue an eighth consecutive league title, and there’s no ambiguity around how much the role means to him.

Less than two months ago, Celtic announced Duff had joined the club as part of Tommy McIntyre’s coaching staff. The 40-year-old spent around six weeks working with the young players in the reserve team before his job spec took on an unexpected change.

The departure of Brendan Rodgers, along with his assistant manager Chris Davies and coach Kolo Toure, created a void in more than just the managerial position.

However, Neil Lennon’s homecoming quickly quelled any doubts about the course of the season. The manager, who won the first three league titles in the current run, appointed John Kennedy as his assistant upon his return and asked Duff to move up to the first-team coaching staff.

The former Republic of Ireland internationalist admitted joining Celtic was a dream come true and said he was ready for the challenge that lay ahead in the coming months.

“It was only three or four months ago that I was with Shamrock Rovers Under-15s playing in the national league there and all of a sudden I’m on the touchline with the Celtic first team,” said Duff. “I guess you have to have a giggle about the last couple of days with it probably being the quickest promotion known to man, in any job.