Club news

Duffy pleased to get into good habits

Shane Duffy says it’s vital to get into good habits at this stage of pre-season, after a resounding 4-0 victory over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

By James Hilsum • 28 July 2019

Duffy scored a brace from two Leo Trossard deliveries, and says that set-pieces at both ends of the pitch will be crucial again this season.

He said, “It was nice to get a win, but the most important thing was to get our fitness up.

“It’s only a friendly game, but the gaffer is trying to get us into good habits early doors. It’s a good habit to score goals and keep clean sheets, and we’ve got another big game on Friday now.”

The Irishman talked through his two goals, and is pleased to have another dead-ball specialist in the side, following the arrival of Trossard this summer.

“It’s crucial at both ends. If you look at major tournaments and major leagues around the world, a lot of goals are scored from set pieces.

“The first one came off my stomach, and I should’ve scored first time, but put too much power onto it. I got quite lucky in the end and nearly broke my arm scoring at the second attempt!

“The second one was about placing it in the corner, and it was a good header. They were two good balls in from Leo, and he is another player that can take set pieces, along with the likes of Pascal [Gross] and Solly [March].”

Valencia are Albion’s next opponents at the Amex on Friday, and Duffy looked ahead to a crucial period ahead of the Premier League season opener against Watford in just under a fortnight.

“I can’t wait. You play most of your pre-season games away from home, so hopefully there will be a good crowd there for Bruno’s charity game.

“It will be one week until the new season, so hopefully we’ll be at it and put in another good performance.

“Then we’ve then got another week of work before the Watford game.”