Michael Duffy’s route from Derry City to the Celtic first team will involve regular trips to Cappielow.
After the attention of his move in January the hard work is underway to convert the promise and potential shown in the League of Ireland onto the biggest stage of all at Celtic Park.
Duffy was a half-time substitute for Callum McGregor on Monday night as Celtic’s development side beat Falkirk 2-0, creating the first goal for fellow substitute Calvin Miller.
With Stevie Frail, Tommy McIntyre and Scott Brown in the dug out, backed up by Ronny Deila and John Kennedy in the stand Duffy’s development is being carefully monitored with Frail determined to bring out the best in the new bhoy.
“Michael is settling in fine, it’s a big thing for a boy from Derry coming over to sign for Celtic and all that comes with that,” the hoops coach said.
“His last competitive game for Derry was in November so he has a bit to do fitness wise. It’s hard for him to build up his fitness when we have so many games but he’s working hard on that side of the game.
“When he first came over as a trialist the fitness results were excellent, there’s plenty in there for us to bring out, slowly but surely we’ll get there.
“There’s a lot of changes for him to deal with, he’s moved away from home, living in a hotel and his first two matches were on astroturf which again is something totally new for him to deal with.”
Frail added: “Technically he’s good, he can use his right or left foot, predominantly he’s right footed but prefers playing on the left, against Falkirk I played him on the right and it worked well.
“It’ll take him a while to get used to the way we play, what we ask of our wide players when we are in or out of possession but he’s clever enough to get there.
“Michael is unselfish and showed that for the opening goal against Falkirk. He was in a good position to have a shot but lifted his head, showed awareness and slid the ball in for Calvin to score.
“It was a great goal, we were working on what wide players should do when we have possession, his first thought when Joe Thomson got the ball was to run in behind and everyone was pleased with the goal.”
On Monday Celtic return to Cappielow to play Hamilton for a place in the last four of the SFA Youth Cup.
Looking at that tie Frail said: “It’s a competition that we like to do well in, we missed it last year, not getting to the final so we’re looking forward to this match against Hamilton.”