SHANE Duffy spent his first full day in Glasgow at Paradise today (Tuesday) and said while delighted with the reception he’s received from Hoops fans so far, he knows he must now prove himself on the pitch.

Following last weekend’s international fixtures, Ireland captain Duffy will spend this week training with his new team-mates at Lennoxtown, and will be available for selection in Neil Lennon’s matchday squad against Ross County this Saturday.

Should the 28-year-old centre-back get the nod, he’s ready to hit the ground running as required.

“You could say there’s more pressure on me given I’m also a fan, but I’m a believer in my own ability and where I am in my career,” said Duffy in an exclusive interview with Celtic TV. “I’m at a good age, I’m coming into my prime and, hopefully, Celtic fans will get to see me in my peak. I’m at a good stage now, I need some games to get up and running, but I’m just excited.

“I just need to be me and for the team and the manager. I’m a solid defender who simply wants to keep the ball out of my net, and do anything to win at all costs. That’s a mentality I grew up with and I’ll never change.

“I’ll give everything for the club, for my team-mates and for me, and that’s always been my attitude towards football and life. If I can bring that to the team, then hopefully that can be good for everyone.”

Duffy underscored how pleased he is with his latest move, and said while part of him expected to be well received by Celtic fans worldwide – given his Irish roots and well-publicised love for the club – he’s been overwhelmed by the support nevertheless.

He added: “It feels great to finally be here. It’s been a really busy week for me, getting it done and not being here was difficult, I had a lot of things on my mind, but I landed in Glasgow last night and I’m just buzzing now to get going.

“It’s been crazy so far. Obviously with social media these days, you get to see quite a bit of it, and it was quite overwhelming.

“I know what the fans are and what they mean, and while I gathered how they’d feel about an Irish man, coming from where I’m from in Derry, I had no idea that it’d be as big as it’s been so far. That’s incredible and I just can’t wait to get down to business now and do it on the pitch for them.”

Shane Duffy: I’m delighted with move but now I must prove myself