Thursday 29 July 2010, 10:00
by Antonia De Feo @antoniadefeo
Shane Duffy says his decision to switch his allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic was the right thing to do to help his international career.
The Everton defender is currently on the road to recovery from a life-threatening injury which he sustained during a training match in his first link-up with the Republic of Ireland’s senior set-up in May.
Duffy, who had been a part of Northern Ireland’s international set-up from Under-16 right through to B level, decided to represent the Republic in February in order to further his opportunities on the international stage.
And speaking to evertontv shortly after his return to the Club, Duffy explained his decision.
“It was what I wanted to do”, Duffy told evertontv. “It was difficult for me to leave because of what they've done for me in Northern Ireland since I was young. They brought me through the ranks which gave me the chance to come to Everton.
“So it was hard to leave all the coaches and all the players, but it was always a case of wanting to come to my own country.
“I spoke to a couple of people about it because I didn't want to disrespect Northern Ireland, but I just had to do what was best for me and I thought it would be best for me to switch.
“I phoned Nigel Worthington and he just had to agree with it. He said he was disappointed.”
The Derry-born defender was understandably delighted when he heard he had been selected by manager Giovanni Trapattoni for their training camp in Dublin at the end of the 2009/10 campaign.
But Duffy’s main focus now lies solely on getting back to full fitness as quickly as he can. He is also optimistic that the forthcoming campaign will present him with an opportunity to go out on loan.
Duffy continued: “I was delighted - as you would be to play for your country. I had just switched from Northern Ireland to the Republic and it was just an honour to be called up.
“My clearance hadn't come through allowing me to play in the proper games, but it was good just to go down there and try and impress the manager.
“My first target is to get fit. And then hopefully if the manager lets me go out on loan and get some experience - get a couple more games under my belt and just take it as it comes really.
“I have to play as much as I can and get some experience. If I can drop down to the lower leagues and get some experience, it will be good for me.
“I know I'm not ready to play in Everton's first team yet as I'm so young but if I'm needed I'll do my best for the team. A loan would obviously make me better, and make me more mature on the pitch. So hopefully we can do something about it when I get fit.”
Our two-part interview with Duffy is available to view on evertontv. To view, click here.
- Latest News
- Most Popular
Wigan
Everton
Stoke
Your Comments
Please login to post a comment.
The views below are submitted by registered users of evertonfc.com and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton Football Club.
Paul Bates
We are all Blues no matter what. COYB.
Report comment
Saturday 31st Jul 2010 08:09
Agree with Paul?
Roy McFadden
Good luck to the lad and I guess with his father being born in the Republic he has more right to switch alleigance than others who have jumped ship from Northern Ireland, the country which developed them and helped their progress, and of course, the original football association in Ireland, hence their official title of The Irish Football Association.
Report comment
Friday 30th Jul 2010 13:40
Agree with Roy?
brennan finnegan
To Barry and Jonathan lets berry the hatchet in the ground and not in each other.History has shown us all you could argue endlessly about Irish history and still there are varrying opinions There used to be an old saying in the North 'What foot does he kick with' so as to identify someone. We all know what foot young Duffy kicks with so lets wish him all the best and leave it at that Good luck to you both
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 18:33
Agree with brennan?
Jonathan Hutchinson
I am well aware of the fact that the Good Friday Agreement states that people on both sides of the border have the right to dual citizenship. However, I do not see why the rules should be bent in this case, football wise you should be from one or the other. Duffy has a stronger case than most because his father was born in the Republic. But yet again I refer you to my main point which is that international football is a joke. I am not trying to make this an Northern Ireland vs Republic issue.
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 17:12
Agree with Jonathan?
Barry Doran
Well then I have to say I'm surprised that a well educated man like yourself doesn't understand that an Irishman, born in Ireland and holding an Irish passport should be able to play for Ireland. Seems pretty simple to me. I don't think that Northen Ireland can be compared to other states when it comes to international football.
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 16:39
Agree with Barry?
Jonathan Hutchinson
I suppose I should just bin my degree in Irish History then Barry? I suppose the 23 years I spent living in Belfast count for nothing? You are the only one who can be accused of ignorance. The fact of the matter is that a border exists between the TWO nations. I was in no way attempting to make a political statement with my last post. All I am saying is what is the point in international football when these days it seems that you can pick or choose who you play for?
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 16:18
Agree with Jonathan?
Chris Bannantyne
I understand what Jonathan is saying, although I don't think it applies to the Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland. As with North Korea/South Korea, they are both "Korea", except for some stupid border drawn across the 18th parallel by the Yanks and co. after WWII. Whilst the Irish circumstaces are different, it's the same argument. You couldn't deny Duffy playing for the Republic, because after all it IS by right his home Country. But yes, in other circumstances I do think it a little rediculous how easy it is to represent a country you've really got nothing to do with. As much as I am sure it would delight some fans, there is no way Arteta should play for England. He is a spaniard, who loves Spain, and has been pretty damn unlucky not to play for Spain too. And yeah... There does appear to be an awful lot of native Brazilians representing foreign lands...
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 15:52
Agree with Chris?
Barry Doran
Jonathan - What a ridiculously simplistic, naive and ignorant point of view. If you had any understanding of Irish history you would know that people born north of the boarder may be as Irish as those born south of it.
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 14:10
Agree with Barry?
brennan finnegan
Most players who are elligible to play for the Republic whether born in Northern Ireland will decide to play for the South as the standard is higher. The Republic currently ranked 36 would have been much lower if it hadnt been for Henrys cheating hand. Ireland were the first team outside the UK to defeat England on home soil winning 2nil at GOODISON PARK in 1949. I hope to see young Duffy play in BLUE and GREEN in coming seasons
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 13:59
Agree with brennan?
Darren Murray
Jonathan so long as he's born on the island of Ireland he's Irish. That means he is entitled to dual citizenship and can choose to play for whoever he wishes. For what it's worth he's made 100% the right decision.
Report comment
Thursday 29th Jul 2010 13:58
Agree with Darren?