NEIL Lennon is excited to see the impact Shane Duffy will have in the Hoops and said he believes the Irishman’s emotional tie to the club will be an added bonus for the team.

Duffy returned from captaining the Republic of Ireland during the international break to join his new Celtic team-mates at Lennoxtown for his first few days of training with the team.

Neil Lennon is delighted to have the 28-year-old complete his move to Celtic ahead of today’s game away to Ross County and said he believes Duffy will be an excellent addition to the Hoops team.

“Shane will go straight into the squad,” said the manager. “He played two games for Ireland and scored in one of them. They were his first couple of games since January so that will have done him the world of good.

“I think it’s a great bit of business by the club. When you look at the competition we had to get his signature, it’s a real coup for the club and great for the supporters.

“We’ve got a player that understands the ethos of the club and it’s important to have those types of players in the dressing room. He has personality but also the quality and physicality as well. We are delighted to get his services and he’s delighted to be here and we are excited about the prospects this season.”

Celtic fans may get to see Duffy in the flesh soon if the pilot scheme for some of today’s fixtures is successful. Both Aberdeen’s game against Kilmarnock and Ross County’s home game against Celtic will have 300 home fans in attendance.

While there is no firm timeline around subsequent games, SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said the success of the test games will be vital in potentially allowing a greater number of fans inside stadiums.

Neil Lennon is pleased that some fans will be in attendance this afternoon and said Celtic are fully prepared to have fans back as soon as they are permitted.

“I’m not sure how big a difference it’ll be but at least it’s a positive,” said the manager. “We’re disappointed that we haven’t had the opportunity to get fans into our stadium. We’ve been at the forefront of everything positive in terms of trying to get the game going again. Hopefully, we’ll get our turn sooner rather than later because it’s imperative to get our supporters back into the stadium.

“It’s hugely important. Health and safety come first, but as far as our home environment is concerned, it’s as good as anywhere in Britain and it’s ready to go. Hopefully, this pilot scheme at the weekend will be successful and we can get the green light to go ahead with our games as well.”

Neil Lennon: Duffy understands what it means to pull on the Hoops