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Benson Signs

Centre back Shane made a big sacrifice to join Everton’s Academy system.

Then a highly-regarded 16-year-old, he left his home in Northern Ireland in November 2008 in order to follow his dream. He has reaped the rewards ever since and was offered a place as a first-year scholar in the summer of 2008.

Strong in the tackle and dependable in the air, Shane is considered a ball-playing defender.

He progressed quickly into the Under-18 and reserve teams and has played for Northern Ireland at Under 16, 17, 19, 21 and B level. He caught the eye of Nigel Worthington and was called up to the full squad for a friendly against Italy.

Duffy didn't take to the field to face the Italians but received individual praise from international boss Worthington.

The youngster's progress continued as he featured for Everton's first team during pre-season in the summer of 2009, registering a goal in the 4-1 friendly win over Rochdale.

He was named as a sub for the opening games of the 2009/10 campaign and remained a regular for Northern Ireland Under-21s.

Shane was soon thrust into first team action, making his debut as a replacement for Sylvain Distin during a 1-0 win against AEK Athens in Greece.

He then made his full home debut in December's 1-0 defeat to BATE Borisov.

In February 2010 it was confirmed that Shane was switching his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.

But on his first link up with the ROI squad, he suffered a horrific freak injury that required life-saving surgery.

Duffy suffered a severed artery near his liver and required an emergency operation to address the problem. At one point there was 3.6 litres of blood in his abdomen, but thankfully the procedure was ultimately a success and he was able to begin his recovery.

He resumed match action in August 2010 playing a friendly for the reserves against Sligo Rovers.

In March 2011 Duffy joined Championship promotion hopefuls Burnley on a 28-day emergency loan deal, his first spell with another club.

In August 2011, the 19-year-old joined League One outfit Scunthorpe United on an initial one-month deal.

The Irish defender scored his first goal for the Iron against Tranmere in a 4-2 victory in October, Blues colleague Jose Baxter was sent off Rovers in the game.

Duffy made 19 appearances during his loan spell but was recalled to Everton in January 2012. Later that month the defender made his first Premier League appearance for the Club as a substitute in a clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.