DUNDALK FORWARD MICHAEL Duffy has agreed a new two-year deal with the Lilywhites, with the news being revealed moments after the club clinched the 2018 SSE Airtricity League title last night.
Patrick Hoban’s 90th minute equaliser saw Dundalk snatch a late point at home to St Patrick’s Athletic, with the result enough to mathematically secure the club’s fourth league title in five seasons under Stephen Kenny.
Duffy has been an integral part of the club’s success this season. He has scored 12 Premier Division goals, while also executing a tremendous volley in the Europa League qualifiers against Levadia Tallinn back in July.
The player has recently caught the attention of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill, who praised the 24-year-old at the end of August.
“I’ve got a lot of time for him,” the manager said.
“I think he’s an exceptionally talented player. It didn’t happen for him at Celtic. He wouldn’t be the first young player to have gone over there and not come through.
He definitely has the ability to go past players, it’s nice to see. He’s a definite talent, there’s no question about that.”
Duffy has made 12 underage appearances for Northern Ireland and was called into Michael O’Neill’s senior squad for a World Cup qualifier in September 2016, but in recent months has admitted he hopes to make a switch to represent the Republic at senior level.
“I think I’m going to be committed to the Republic of Ireland now after getting a phone call from Martin,” Duffy said speaking a month ago.
“I got a call from him saying he wants me to join up with the squad when I can. I don’t know what needs to happen with clearance and stuff.
Dundalk are the 2018 SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions. Michael Duffy, Daniel Cleary and Brian Gartland all give their reaction to @Corktod after their 1-1 draw with St Pat's. #rtesoccer #soccerrepublic #greatestleagueintheworld @DundalkFC pic.twitter.com/By4xAJxZ5y
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 6, 2018
“That obviously needs to come through, I’m not too sure what happens there. But once I got that call, I was all set straight away.”
Last night saw Dundalk reclaim the Premier Division title after falling short against Cork City last season.
The Louth club will now have the chance to complete the double, with the Lilywhites facing either Cork or Bohemians in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on 4 November.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Hooper is somewhat of an anomaly in that he’s a world class 7 that’s basically never been injured for any notable length of time. Not even 29 and nearly a test centurion. Remarkable when you consider how brutal the game is physically these days.
Hopefully, someone will pick up the broadcast rights over here. The quality in the Top League has been “mixed” in recent years with some big name players on the downswing of their careers chasing a last big payday but there seems to be a real uptick in the quality of players & coaches heading there for next season, so it could make for interesting viewing.
@Del McG: yuuuuuuuppppaaaaa
Why, what is the point of playing in Japan. Its understandable in your mid 30s at the end of your career but in his prime why wouldn’t he move to England or France. Probably get the same money and will play a very competitive level of rugby, rather than just collect a pay check and play in a mickey mouse league
@s mc: you answered your own question there chief
@s mc: Big bucks, not as far from home, can basically stay match fit for a return to Super Rugby and the Wallabies when this passes. Will likely get a big contract in France for a couple of years when he calls it quits on his Wallaby career if he still wants to play at a high level.
@s mc: Even though he has had a break, in Japan he can earn the same money as he would in England and France, and its a lot easier on his body. Who wouldn’t take the easier money?
@Kingshu: I would rather look back on career and have won another meaningful tournament than protecting myself.
@s mc: It may beca longer career to look back on, by taking the Japan option
@s mc: Lad, it’s not that hard. He’s not retiring. He’ll be closer to 29 than 30 when this finishes. Consider it a gap year type arrangement. Still opportunities to win trophies but he’s filling the rugby career dead space with a bit of pick up ball that he gets paid really well for. He’ll do the 6 months, pocket a pay check and slot back in as a world class operator with 4-5 years at the top left in him when it’s done. It’s the smart decision for a guy who’s been playing elite back row rugby for 11 years already.
@s mc: yes