Although noting that he's "far from the finished article", Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane believes young centre-back Shane Duffy is in the frame to start against Sweden after an impressive rise to international prominence.
The Blackburn Rovers defender had made just a solitary appearance for Ireland [against Costa Rica in 2014] until a knee injury to Marc Wilson opened the door for the Derry man.
A man-of-the-match display in the 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland cemented his place in the squad and though he was caught out for the Netherlands' equaliser in the 1-1 draw at the Aviva Stadium, his threat from set-pieces makes him a contender to start against Sweden on Monday.
“He's a big strong boy. He has got lots and lots to learn about the game, he is far from the finished article, but he's given himself a chance," Keane told RTÉ Sport.
“A few months ago, it probably would have been touch and go whether he was going to make the squad. But he has impressed everybody with his training and the games he has played and on top of getting the squad, I think he's got a great chance of making the starting XI.
“He's been a big plus, the last few months and we are delighted to have him involved – and he is very good in both boxes, which is pretty important for a centre-half.”
"He has impressed everybody with his training and he's got a great chance of making the starting XI" - Roy Keane
The 24-year-old welcomed the praise from Keane and said he was delighted to be part of the squad in France.
"It’s not a bad thing to hear to be honest. I’m delighted that it’s him saying it," said Duffy. "I can’t disagree with him anyway. I’m still learning the game. I’ve been out now a couple of seasons trying to get myself ready and learn the game a bit and develop.
"I feel like I’m doing it slowly and steadily. I’m happy the way it’s going and hopefully there’s a lot more to come from me.
"Three or four months ago I was nowhere near it really. I was just on standby for the squads and I was trying to focus on my club football. Then I got called in for the play-off and I wasn’t on the bench, so I was thinking 'Oh, he just wants to have a look at me'.
"I got my head down and tried to do my best at Blackburn. I did that and got a bit lucky. We’ve had a few injuries with Marc Wilson, which was an unfortunate thing for him, but I think I’ve taken my chances in the two friendly games.
"I have showed them that I have come on since the last time they have seen me. I’m just delighted to be here because three or four months ago you just couldn’t see it.
Duffy set up the winner for Ciaran Clark against the Swiss and the 6'4 man is a big attacking asset on corners and free-kicks.
"It’s big all over the world in all the games," said Duffy. "Most games these days are settled on set-pieces.
"There might not be too many chances in open play for us and if we can get one off a set-piece it could be a good thing and we can try to keep them out at the other end."
If Duffy gets the nod to start at the Stade de France, he'll be facing one of the world's biggest name strikers in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he insists that wouldn't faze him.
"You have to thrive off playing against those types of players. You want to do well against the best and hopefully if I’m picked to play I’ll thrive off it and do the best I can.
"I’ve played against Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane, and I remember when I was at Everton I made my debut against [Emmanuel] Adebayor when he was in his prime and he was similar to Zlatan. Tall, gangly and strong and I remember he was a very good striker then.
"I had a good game I think. I did alright and played the next game. It was my debut so I was delighted.
"I’ve played against other top strikers, like Jermain Defoe when he was in his prime, very nippy and sharp, and the likes of Vardy who’s come from the lower leagues. I’ve played against him a few times."
Keane referenced Duffy's move from Everton to Blackburn as helping him break into the squad and the defender also credits a loan move to Yeovil 2013-14 that saw him move from the fringes to a starting spot as kickstarting his career.
"When you look at his short career so far, the fact is he's gone out and he's played games regularly at club level," observed Keane.
“That was a huge boost for him over the last year or two, going to Blackburn and playing and the fact he has had opportunities with the senior team, and he seems to be enjoying it."
Duffy agreed with the Corkman's assessment: "It’s been very rewarding because sometimes you have got to drop down to learn.
"I was quite raw as a player and I thought I had to step down. Yeovil got me out of the big city and I got my head down and knuckled down and played games.
"It’s a reward now because I’m here and it’s the biggest thing in my career so far.
"It’ll be hard to top. It’s been a tough journey because I’ve had some downs, where you don’t think you’re going to get here. You have got to keep your head. I have and I’m delighted. Hopefully there’s a lot more to come."
