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Shane Duffy Update

Just got home from the pub where a couple of my mates told me about the Burnley game on Saturday.

Apparently, our Shane had a nightmare. In the first half, he was partnered in central defence with Andre Bikey. According to my mates, Shane was well out of position for both the goals Burnley conceded in the first half.

They said he seemed well off the pace but thankfully he picked up in the second half. My friends were kind enough to say that maybe he was a little bit nervous on his debut. I hope so.

I know one game doesn't mean anything but, seeing as I am a Burnley lad, I thought I would keep you all updated on what the fans (some) think of Shane. We seem to think we know it all about our players/team...

Lee Courtliff, Burnley Posted 05/04/2011 at 03:01:30

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Tony Cheek
1 Posted 05/04/2011 at 05:37:45

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Thanks for that, Lee. It would be good to get a regular update on his progress. Think he will come good, he hasn't exactly been spoilt with games at that level, and he needs time to fit in with the other players. I hope they keep faith in him.

Liam Reilly
2 Posted 05/04/2011 at 08:46:12

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He's young and inexperienced and the Championship is a good standard, so it's bound to be a bit overwhelming for the lad.

This is maybe a lesson for all those crying for an injection of reserve players into the first team. Has to be done slowly, otherwise it could damage the player's confidence.

Could that mean that Moyes actually knows what he's doing?

Tim Spring
3 Posted 05/04/2011 at 09:22:54

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Get Doddy Weir in to do some defensive coaching quick!

Sam Morrison
4 Posted 05/04/2011 at 09:58:38

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Yes, keep us posted Lee.

Very early days for Shane; players who came into the first team at Goodison and looked unconvincing at first include Fellaini, Distin and Heitinga (the latter of course has begun to look shite again after looking awesome last season)...

Marc Williams
5 Posted 05/04/2011 at 11:20:40

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Lee.... In a way, that is very good news as the lad is going to learn loads. I always think it's best to get some harsh lesson's early on in a career (whatever that may be) as you tend to remember them. This lad has potential & these experiences will help him find his level.

Tony J Williams
6 Posted 05/04/2011 at 12:49:44

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It should toughen him up, playing against old pros and hard knocks.

Good regular periods of playing competetive footy is always a plus in my book.

Sam Hoare
7 Posted 05/04/2011 at 13:31:24

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Let's hope they don't drop him or he won't be learning that much after all...

Ryan Kelly
8 Posted 05/04/2011 at 14:06:24

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I've read loads of Burnley fan forums and media reports and they said that, despite some nerves (to be expected) Duffy had a reasonable debut, showing composure and leadership along the back line. Eddie Howe praised the lad personally, commending his aerial prowess and his professional attitude. Some have even compared his debut to Gary Cahill's for them when he was on loan.

A 19-year-old kid doesn't just walk into a top Championship side's defence for no reason. Especially when he hasn't played competitively in over a year due to a life-threatening injury. Players shouldn't be judged on 90 minutes. Let's give him a chance to impress.

Gavin Ramejkis
9 Posted 05/04/2011 at 18:25:49

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He'll have good matches and he'll have bad ones but at least he's getting games, more than he's getting stuck at Everton. It'll do him the world of good as long as he doesn't get injured.

Dennis Stevens
10 Posted 05/04/2011 at 18:46:12

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"Doddy"? WTF?

Alan Rodgers
11 Posted 05/04/2011 at 19:36:47

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Doddy Weir ? famous Scottish RU player.

Kieran Kinsella
12 Posted 05/04/2011 at 20:05:10

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I just interviewed John Kettley (The Weatherman) who is a Burnely fan for a website and the topic of Shane Duffy came up. Well, I was the one doing the interview, so it was no surprise that it came up... but anyway, he seemed pretty happy to get Duffy on loan.

Brendan O'Doherty
13 Posted 06/04/2011 at 02:26:29

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Wouldn't worry too much. It'll take him time to get up to speed again. Great prospect.

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