Billy Reid has lavished incredible praise on Shane Duffy after the defender completed his loan switch to Celtic.
Without kicking, or heading, a ball for Celtic the defender has been showered with praise painting him as the solution to many of Celtic’s problems.
Reid spent eight years managing Hamilton Accies before teaming up with Graham Potter and spending last season working with Duffy at Brighton.
Potter has very definite ideas about how he wants Brighton to play which has edged Duffy sideways opening the door for Celtic.
In most circumstances the 28-year-old would have joined another top flight English side but with Celtic showing interest all other doors were closed.
Discussing what Duffy will bring, Reid told the Daily Record:
Shane is a massive character in the dressing-room and I think it’s a coup for Celtic to get him. I have a great relationship with him and Celtic know what they’ve got.
Neil has worked with Martin O’Neill, who had Shane in the Irish set-up. He’s different class. Celtic have got an absolute winner. He’s a beast in both boxes and he’ll cause mayhem up in Scotland.
He’s a monster of a centre-back and I genuinely expect him to overpower people up in Scotland. He attacks the ball really well in both boxes and can head it for miles.
He could be a colossus for Celtic this season. Listen, Duffy is a Premier League player. This isn’t a guy who’s on his last legs – he’s 28 and in his prime. It’s an incredible signing for Celtic.
He is a rugged centre-half who loves defending his own box. Maybe that’s when he’s at his best. Of course, it will be a bit different at Celtic because they have a lot of the ball but listen, Shane can pass it as well. In terms of standard of player, he’s above the Scottish Premiership.
No-one goes from the Premier League to Scotland these days. It’s the opposite –players in Scotland are trying to get to the Championship then to the Premier League. Shane has gone the other way because he wants to play for Celtic. He’ll be above the level of player up in Scotland.
Following Ireland’s match with Finland today Duffy will fly to Glasgow tomorrow with massive expectations for Saturday’s match at Ross County.