SHANE DUFFY has revealed that Rangers defender Connor Goldson told him not to come to Scotland after hearing he had been linked with a move to Celtic.

Republic of Ireland defender Duffy and Ibrox centre-back Goldson were defensive partners and friends during their time together at Brighton, leading Goldson to deliver a back-handed compliment to Duffy when he urged him not to sign for his side’s city rivals.

Duffy ignored that advice to seal an initial season-long loan deal at his boyhood club, and he has told his mate that once they cross the white line in battle, their friendship will be placed on hold.

“He actually told me not to come,” Duffy said. “He said ‘stay away!’ But we have a good relationship.

“I am very close with Connor from my Brighton days. It’s a difficult one. It’s different up here but we are close so yeah…it’s an awkward one!

“He is still my friend so it’s hard to tell what will happen because the rivalry is so fierce.

“He’s a mate but listen, when I play against him, he won’t be a mate. He will be the exact same!”

It wasn’t just his love for Celtic that drew Duffy north, but also the chance to write his name into club folklore by being a part of the Celtic side that potentially lift a tenth consecutive title.

“It was massive,” he said. “It is huge for me to be here.

“I would have come any year but this year could be a historic year. To have a chance to be a part of it was huge.

“I spoke to a few players who played here. They were saying if you go and do it, it will be the best decision you make. It was a no-brainer.

“[Ten in-a-row] would be a huge achievement."