Interviews

Potter: Duffy really important to us

'I love the big guy to death,' says head coach.

By Charlie Hanson • 29 April 2022

By Paul Hazlewood
Shane Duffy has made 150 appearances for Albion in all competitions.

Graham Potter has said Shane Duffy has proved to everyone he still has what it takes to play in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old has made 18 Premier League appearances this season and 150 in total for the club.

“The first thing to say is that Shane's been a really important member of the team this season,” Potter said. “Then you have to say how well he’s done for this football club all round.

By Paul Hazlewood
The Republic of Ireland international has made 18 Premier League appearances so far this season.

“We were all upset with how the year (on loan) went for him at Celtic. It was one of those things where on and off the pitch he struggled. It was probably one of the toughest times of his life. 

“But he came back here and was a breath of fresh air to be honest. He was a credit to himself with how he handled everything. He came into side and helped us get points.”

Conversations about the Republic of Ireland international’s future with Albion will wait until the summer.

“Since Christmas it’s not been as simple for him. It’s not been as strong a second half of the season as the first for lots of different reasons. But he's still a really important player for us and person in the group. 

"As for his future it's one of those things that we sit down and speak about at the end of the season. He was really low when he came back [from Celtic] and was probably thinking about where his career was going. But I think he's proven to everybody that he can compete and play at this level. 

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter has praised the positive impact Shane Duffy has on the Albion team.

“For Shane as well he's not getting any younger. So, it's about how he can play as much football as he can.

“With all the players you sit down with them and think ‘what's the best thing for him?’ But he's someone that we have a huge respect for. He's been brilliant for me since I've been here – I love the big guy to death. 

“We just need to help people enjoy football because when that's happening he’s a really important guy.”

Potter expects the centre-back to be involved in Albion’s matchday squad against Wolves on Saturday.

“He picked up something around the international break last time, so he’s only had a few training sessions. He was probably ahead of schedule to be on the bench for us [against Southampton].

“But Shane being Shane, we wanted him around the group, which says a lot about how important he is. He will certainly be in the squad again.”