Soccer

Shane Duffy hopes to kick off successful year for Republic of Ireland with victory against Red Devils Belgium

"I’ve knuckled down and I’ve got a smile back on my face and I’m enjoying it again..." Republic of Ireland centre-back Shane Duffy.
"I’ve knuckled down and I’ve got a smile back on my face and I’m enjoying it again..." Republic of Ireland centre-back Shane Duffy. "I’ve knuckled down and I’ve got a smile back on my face and I’m enjoying it again..." Republic of Ireland centre-back Shane Duffy.

A RESULT against world number one-ranked Belgium tomorrow would be the perfect way for the Republic of Ireland to kick-off what Shane Duffy believes will be an exciting and successful year the Boys in Green.

Unbeaten in their last six with three wins and three draws and with a full house guaranteed for the visit of ‘Les Diables Rouges’ to the Aviva, the Derry native expects the Republic to continue their upward momentum and win their Nations League group (Ukraine, Scotland and Armenia are Ireland’s opponents) this year.

“I think we can win the group,” said the Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back.

“The way we’re going and with the belief that we have I think we can win it and go on from there. We have to start believing as a country that we can win groups and that we can qualify for tournaments. Why not?

“We had a difficult start (under Stephen Kenny) but we always said the young players would benefit from that and we’re seeing it now, we’re picking up results and hopefully we can go on and give the whole nation a buzz. The progression we’ve made over the last year means it’s been exciting times for the fans again and we’ve got full-houses back now.

“You don’t get many bigger than Belgium coming to town so we’re all excited about it.”

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to be in goal for Ireland tomorrow but Bristol City goalkeeper has been brought into the squad after Gavin Bazunu became the second netminder to withdraw this week. Bazunu has cried off with illness after Mark Travers was ruled out with a minor strain. Travers was replaced by James Talbot of Bohemians.

“The squad the manager has built since he’s come in means that anyone can come into the team and produce, that’s the trust we have in the group,” said Duffy.

“We’ve had a bit of continuity in the team for the last few results and it has worked so. We had a camp last summer in Spain and since then we’ve had similar squads and the same players and when you play together longer it gets better. It’s exciting times when you come in.”

Duffy had ankle surgery over Christmas but has forced his way back into Brighton’s first team this season. After a nightmare spell at Celtic he says he is enjoying his football again.

“I’m feeling good and sharp and happy to be playing football again regularly,” he said.

“You just have to have the mental strength to come out of it and bounce back and believe in your ability. I’ve knuckled down and I’ve got a smile back on my face and I’m enjoying it again.”

With the spring back in his step, it’s no surprise that Duffy is relishing the prospect of testing himself against the world’s number one-ranked side. He was an unused substitute last time the Republic played Belgium – a 3-0 loss in Bordeaux in Euro 2016.

“There’s always pressure when you play for Ireland,” he said.

“It’s the top level of the game and that’s why the players stay at this level. You’ve got to enjoy it and embrace it and take it on – this is what we’re in the game for. To play in front of a full house for your country, it doesn’t get much better than that. Yes there’s pressure but there confidence in our group when we get together and this is a game we’re all excited for “If you can’t enjoy this then you’re in the wrong sport.”

Meanwhile, Duffy says it’s vital that Casement Park is developed so the North can host games if a joint Ireland and Great Britain bid for the European Championships is successful.

A five-nation bid was lodged with Uefa on Wednesday which was expected to be unopposed but Uefa have confirmed rival bids from Turkey and Russia for the tournament. Should the British Isles application be successful, Casement Park is the only stadium in the North big enough to host a match but it is currently derelict and the plans for its redevelopment are in the midst of a judicial review which began on Monday.

Duffy hopes that work on the west Belfast stadium, home of Antrim GAA, is completed in time for Casement to play a part in Euro 2028.

“Yes of course it’s important it’s developed now,” he said.

“It’s massive news for us and hopefully we do get it. It’s exciting that we’re even interested in it. It’s important that we have the right stadiums and everything is in place.

“It’s exciting for our country that we’ve got the chance to host a major tournament and touch wood we get it.”

Duffy will be 36 by the time Euro 2028 comes around but the prospect of playing in a major championships on home soil would certainly appeal to him.

“I would be daft to say I wouldn’t want to be part of it,” he said.

“I don’t know where I’m going to be when I’m 36 but you never say never, if I’m still at a good level and playing at a high level you never know.”