Duffy determined to keep his place

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Shane Duffy has emphasised his determination to keep battling for a starting place in Graham Potter’s team.

Alex Stedman

2020-01-18T06:00:00Z

Shane Duffy speaks to the media on Thursday afternoon.

The central defender made his first Premier League start of the year against one of his former clubs Everton last Saturday and wants to play a big part in the remainder of the campaign.

He said, “You don’t just give up because someone says you’re not playing every week.

“I’ve got that mentality to keep fighting, keep going and keep trying to get back in the team. I love it here. If there was a time where the manager didn’t want me, then I’d have to think about it. But he hasn’t said that. He says I’m still important and still have a part to play.

“It’s not about me, it’s about this club and I’ve got to think about what they’ve done for me.

“Even when I’m on the bench, I’m still cheering and still want the best for this team. They’re my mates in there as well, so I don’t want to let them down. It does get tough at times when he names the team and you’re not in it but that’s part of football.

“You learn from it. It’s the first time in a few years where it’s happened to me so it’s about adapting, working hard and staying driven.”

Albion host Aston Villa at the Amex this afternoon looking to atone for October’s cruel last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Villa Park. Duffy says a repeat performance would see them go close to getting a more positive result this time.

“We’ve got to take positives from the Villa game. I thought we were the better team and they were quite lucky to come away with the win,” he said.

“I spoke to a few of their players and they thought that as well, they thought we were very good on the day. Obviously being down to ten men hampered us.

“If we play the same as we did up there with the same tactics, same approach and keep 11 men on the pitch we’re quietly confident of winning the game.”

Shane Duffy.

Jack Grealish scored the opening goal for Dean Smith’s side and he’s a familiar face to Duffy who says he’ll be one to keep tabs on this afternoon.

“He was in the Republic of Ireland under-21s with me. We clicked straight away,” added the defender.

“I was gutted when he changed allegiances, but only because I knew what kind of player he was and how good he could be. For Ireland, it was a big miss for us. He’s a good bloke and I think there’s a lot more to come from him.

“What you see on the pitch is what he’s like. He’s a great guy and a top footballer. It’s going to be difficult to stop him but I’m sure we’ll be up to the challenge.”