Noddy

Gary Neville? Dear God, I don't think he'll appreciate that comparison! He was unlucky not to get a run out against Italy and as Nigel Worthington clearly holds him in high regard, I think he'll have more chances in the future. However, since he did not play, he is still eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland, were they to come looking for him. He has been propelled through the ranks by Nigel Worthington and Steve Beaglehole in an effort to extinguish any interest from the Republic, which, while I don't like it, is probably a smart move on their behalf. Shane only turned 17 this year and while he has had a reasonably successful first season with Everton, I think it's unfair to tie a player down at such a young age, where they may not have reached a certain level of maturity. RE Romey 1878; I certainly hope Shane keeps up his development. It has been a mad first year for him, with untimely injuries at the beginning, to being called up for several Everton reserve games and the N.I. senior team!

haha! Very good point Louis! I really hope we qualify for the World Cup. Trapattoni is a proven winner - I just hope he gets us to the tournament. Missing out on Euro 2004 and 2008 along with missing W.C. 2006 means that belief in the national team has dwindled! Shane Duffy: An Irish Colossus

Seems he's been called up to the N.I. senior squad to play Italy in June. This is big. http://www.examiner.ie/breakingnews/sport/...uad-411512.html

Haha yeah, not to row, but I still don't like how it's played at N.I. games. Despite what people might think, by playing such a song, you automatically exclude (unknowingly or knowingly) certain areas of Irish society from feeling like they can support the team - after all, Scotland and Wales don't play it at their international games. I certainly feel that there should be an alternative, such as the 'anthem' of the Irish rugby team for example - who knows, there may be an all-Ireland soccer team in the future?. Anyway........ Shane came on after 60 minutes for N.I.'s 'B' international game versus Scotland 'B' in Clyde. I wasn't at the game myself, but according to some first hand reports, he had a solid game and apparently Nigel Worthington has said he may be on stand-by for the senior team's friendly game against Italy in June. He has made tremendous strides both domestically and internationally since going to Everton last year!

I hadn't even thought about it to be honest Louis. I'd say he'd definitely be eligible, but those squads won't be chosen this early surely? With regard to the U19 game against Switzerland. I was at it, up at Seaview in Belfast. I was conveniently in the bathroom while they played God Save the Queen, but watched the game. Shane had a brilliant game and was awarded with the Man of the Match after the game. He's been called up to the N.I. 'B' team, which is an incredible feat for a 17 year old. Nigel Worthington holds him in high regard - it's bloody strange that the Republic's management team haven't been monitoring the situation, or at least, they don't seem to be!

I don't know exactly what the story is at the minute, although I know Shane is eligible in every way to play for the Republic, holding an Irish passport and especially since his father is from Donegal. I was just surfing a message board site in Ireland called foot.ie and they've got a thread on Shane. Some posters are claiming that Shane's Northern Irish, even though he has an Irish passport and would, like myself consider himself to be Irish. Given the opportunity, he'd preferably want to represent Ireland at international level, but if that opportunity did not arise, then certainly he'd like to be playing some form of international football. That's a great article Louis. In the printed article, the photo is different, they look so tanned...I wonder if there's a sun-bed culture in professional football? haha

Shane scored for the Everton XI last night in their 3-0 victory versus Tranmere in John Achterberg's testimonial game. He's a defender who's capable of slotting them home!

The Irish media are great value. I love how we don't really take anything seriously. The RTÉ's coverage of football matches is great and with analysis from the likes of Johnny Giles, Éamon Dunphy, Liam Brady (who, due to international duties does not appear regularly anymore), Ronnie Whelan and from time to time, Graeme Souness, the viewer is guaranteed a good laugh. Dunphy is a volatile character and he makes it interesting. I hear that Duffy has been playing regularly with the under-18s and has made a few appearances for the reserves, coming off the bench to put in solid performances, even hitting the bar against Bolton with a 25-yard effort on his weaker left foot! Do any of you on here get to watch the reserve and under-18 games?

The 'Journal' as it is affectionately known as by locals in Derry is certainly an excellent example of literary magnificence in the media. I'm thankful that they're not getting names wrong or making simple grammatical errors anymore... Seems Shane's doing fairly well. He has come on leaps and bounds since his hip injury before Christmas. Fair play!

McGrath went through some serious bouts of depression, and personal problems, which is a shame, because what a player he could have been. I've just heard that Shane will be on Sky Sports some time today. I think he's being interviewed.

Exactly

Hey guys! Shane is now playing with the Republic of Ireland Under 17 squad. He has been training with them for the past few days and has impressed coaches. Rumours abound around the training ground that the young defender has been touted as the new Paul McGrath.

It doesn't seem that Shane is in the new Football Manager patch.

Excellent hahaha! Two Points SRF I absolutely despise that man.

Nearly all of those texts are pure hoaxes! Why would someone waste their time making up such tripe!? Anyway, Gardner... certainly only cover until the end of the season. He's not the best centre-half in the world and I think Moyes is a shrewd operator. He probably has his eyes on someone for the next transfer window, maybe a big money signing?

What's the story with Daniel "The Monster" Van Buyten? He'd be great to replace Stubbs. I'd say they'll give a few youth players a chance to shine too, could see the next big star!

Yeah, that is the case, but Shane's father is from the Republic so, it's easier for him. The whole fiasco with Darren Gibson annoyed me. It just seemed like the IFA were trying to hinder Darren Gibson's international career with the FAI. The N.Ireland Victory Shield squad definitely did have a few good players in there. I'd say, if the IFA keeps them together, they'd be doing well.

Thanks Louis! I've just sent an email. However, back to the topic... Shane is currently training with the Northern Ireland under-17 team and should hopefully be playing in their next few games. I think the next coming game is against Finland. Here's another snippet of info: Shane is actually also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, but he is keen on staying with the Northern Ireland team, because they have supported him all the way and also because the current group of players have a strong bond with one and other.

Yeah, he does. That's cool, man! I'm a big Football Manager player myself. How do you get to help with research? I'd love to help out.

haha As a matter of fact, yes. Yes he is.

Har, Har. Just keeping you all informed, you clown.

As of 1st of January 2008, Shane is now officially eligible to play competitive matches for Everton. He is currently training with the under-18 squad.

I watched the Northern Ireland versus Wales U16 match on Friday 23 there, and I thought it was a good game. Shane had a sound match.

By the way, Shane is only 15. He'll be 16 on New Years Day.

Yeah, well, the scouts were watching him too when they were over. He's definitely a good player.