SHANE Duffy says he feared he may never get to play for his boyhood club after a move to Celtic didn't materialise in 2016.
The Brighton man, who has joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal, previously thought he was set to sign for the Hoops when Brendan Rodgers was in charge.
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But the 28-year-old now wants to grasp the opportunity of representing Celtic with both hands as the club chase a historic 10-in-a-row.
The Republic of Ireland centre-back said as he was unveiled at Celtic Park: “There was talks a couple of years ago under Brendan but nothing really came from it and I ended up going to Brighton then.
“You always fear (the chance to sign had slipped away). Listen, it’s a huge club and you can’t just decide when you’re going to play for Celtic.
“You always fear it might not happen but I always have that belief and I believe I can keep progressing in my career.”
Duffy knows he is joining a dressing room of winners, and is adamant that he has to play his way into the Celtic team.
“Listen I haven’t even played a minute yet for the club so I just have to concentrate on myself and take it game at a time. Hopefully at the end of the season it will be all worth it and we’ll have those trophies.
“I know they have a lot of winning mentality here so I have to bounce off that as well.
“Winning something is huge for me. Everyone knows this is a huge year for the club and it was a massive reason for me to come this year too and try to get the 10.”
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