Celtic defender Shane Duffy has admitted that he is struggling for form after being dropped for the Hoops’ last league game against Motherwell.

The Irish international only joined on loan from Brighton in September but he lost his place in the Scottish champions’ defence after a very poor display in the defeat to Sparta Prague last week.

However, despite acknowledging he is going through a rough patch at the moment, Duffy has vowed to learn from his mistakes and come back stronger:

“It’s a difficult time, but I’m not the first footballer to go through it and I won’t be the last. I’m mentally strong and I can deal with this kind of stuff. It’s just a tough time where performances sometimes don’t go where you want it. I’m positive. I’ve got managers who believe in me, and I believe in myself.”

“I’ve got good family and friends around me who push me and good pros who have been there and done it. That’s what I’ve got to do – keep cracking on. I know it just doesn’t change overnight. So I’ll keep trying, keep learning. It’ll take a lot more than what they’re doing at the minute to keep me down.”

It remains to be seen whether Duffy will be reinstated to the starting line up against Hibernian after the international break. Although Kristoffer Ajer had to be substituted in the win against Motherwell due to a groin injury, he was fit enough to go on international duty.

Christopher Jullien is also said to be closing in on a return from a back problem so there is no guarantee that Duffy will be selected in upcoming games.