MX23RW : Monday, March 4 13:49:08

Duff rallies behind Celtic cause after making step up to management team

Duff rallies behind Celtic cause after making step up to management team
© Reuters
The former Blackburn and Chelsea winger is now part of Neil Lennon's backroom staff.

Damien Duff is ready to fight for the cause at Celtic in his new role as first-team coach.

The Irishman recently joined the club's coaching set-up, initially working with the reserves, but after Tuesday's shock departure of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester he was moved up to form part of interim boss Neil Lennon's backroom staff, along with John Kennedy.

On Wednesday night the new management team debuted with a last-gasp 2-1 win at Hearts, a result which keeps the Hoops eight points clear of Rangers at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Former Republic of Ireland international Duff told Celtic TV he is keen to provide whatever help is required for success.

"I'm ready for it," he said. "I know the role and I know the club, and it's a massive honour.

"Celtic is more than a club. Here, you're fighting for more than that – you're fighting for a cause as well.

"I know what the club means to fans. It means the same to me, so I'm ready.

"I understand the club and, Celtic Football Club aside, myself and football, I'm all about emotion and enthusiasm."

Duff admits there is a part of him "that's sad to see the back of the reserves for now."

The 39-year-old former Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham player said: "I felt like they were starting to really understand me and the way I work.

"The game against the Kilmarnock reserves is the best they've been, and for 70-80 minutes they were brilliant.

"What I've enjoyed up until now is improving young players. I feel I'm good at it, so I guess I'll miss that side of it, but I'll still be keeping an eye on them and helping them whenever I can.

"There were four or five of them training with the first team after the Hearts game.

"That's what the club's built on, bringing youth through so nothing's going to change.

"It's obviously a massive step up to the first team. There will be more quality and a quicker tempo, but I'll just be helping the gaffer and John wherever I can. That's what I'm here for."


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A calm and composed Neil Lennon in charge of Hibs in April 2018
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1Manchester CityMan City29232476205671
2Liverpool29217164154970
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs29201856302661
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd29177558382058
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7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves29127103735243
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16Burnley2986153253-2130
17Southampton2969143249-1727
18Cardiff CityCardiff2974182557-3225
19Fulham2945202765-3817
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2935211551-3614

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