CELTIC welcomed Shane Duffy on a season-long loan deal from Brighton and Hove Albion today (Wednesday) in a move which the centre-back himself described as a dream.

The Ireland internationalist is currently on duty with his country, preparing for their upcoming Nations League matches against Bulgaria and Finland, and will thereafter head to Paradise to link up with his new team-mates and manager, Neil Lennon.

Speaking at the Ireland camp, the 28-year-old said: “I’m delighted, it’s something that I’ve always dreamed of doing and I’m just excited to get up there now and get going. Hopefully I can do my best for the club. I’m over the moon, it’s been a long time coming!

“People will know the connection with Derry in Ireland and Celtic, and it’s all we knew, really. Growing up, I was lucky enough to get over to a few games and experience the atmosphere. It’s my boyhood club and it’s literally a dream when you’re a kid. Now I get the chance to go to Celtic Park and to play for the club is a huge honour and hopefully I can do them proud.”

Duffy described fellow Derry man and ex-Celt Paddy McCourt as a great role model, and now looks forward to working with countryman Neil Lennon in the weeks and months ahead.

He added: “I can’t wait to get going now and get the chance to work with Neil Lennon. I’ve watched his whole career as a player and manager at Celtic, and to get the chance to work with him now is a real honour and something I’m really looking forward to.

“It’s a huge season for Celtic. I don’t need a reason to go to Celtic, but if ever there was a reason it’s this year, to make history. It’s something I’ve been following closely over the years, hoping they’d win the league every year.

“To be part of it now is a huge honour, but there’s obviously a lot of hard work to get there. I know the fans are optimistic and I am as well going then. Let’s do the hard work and reap the rewards in the end.”

Shane Duffy: Celtic move is something I’ve always dreamed of