Shane Duffy admits he feared his chance to sign for boyhood heroes Celtic had slipped by.
The Brighton defender has joined the Scottish champions on a year-long loan but revealed he saw an opportunity to sign for ex-Parkhead boss Brendan Rodgers fall through as he prepared to leave former club Blackburn back in 2016.
The Republic of Ireland centre-back said as he was unveiled at Celtic Park: "There was talks a couple of years ago under Brendan but nothing really came from it and I ended up going to Brighton then.
"You always fear (the chance to sign had slipped away). Listen, it's a huge club and you can't just decide when you're going to play for Celtic. They have got to want you as well and I'm delighted they wanted me and showed such interest in me. That's another big factor in why I'm here.
"You always fear it might not happen but I always have that belief and I believe I can keep progressing in my career."
📺 "It feels great to finally be here. It's been a really busy week for me. I'm just buzzing now to get going and I cant wait."@shaneduffy gives an exclusive @CelticTV interview after arriving at Paradise. 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/fF389xoDIx
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 8, 2020
Hoops boss Neil Lennon beat off competition from top-flight clubs down south to land the 28-year-old and Duffy has vowed to give his all to the Celtic cause.
"It's a different challenge completely coming here. The pressure of winning every game and winning trophies is something different for me.
"I did (have offers from clubs in the Premier League) but I had to sit down and think about it. But as soon as I got the call to say the deal can be done here then there was only one place I wanted to go.
"I'm in a difficult stage in my career in that I haven't played a lot over the last year.
"I had to make the right choice but I feel I'm at a good age to come here. Playing for Celtic is something I've wanted to do my whole career. I wanted to come here when I was at a good age where I can be successful. I'm delighted with the decision for me.
"It's a huge for me, this is a huge club. Career-wise, that will be decided next season but this season the focus is here. It's down to me to perform week in, week out and win trophies for this club. That's what I'm here to do."
Meanwhile, two of Saturday's Scottish Premiership matches will go ahead with about 300 fans in the stands as part of pilot events for the return of crowds to football.
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock and Ross County v Celtic will each open their doors to a limited number of members of the public for the first time since lockdown forced the suspension and then curtailment of last season.
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