BLACKBURN AND IRELAND defender Shane Duffy has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury, it has been confirmed.
Following the news, Duffy said: “The operation went well this morning on my knee, I’m gutted to miss the rest of the season but will come back stronger, I’ve been through worse.”
The 23-year-old defender is regarded as one of the most promising Irish centre-backs to emerge in recent years.
He has been included in the senior Ireland squad as far back as 2010, when a freak training ground accident caused him to have to undergo life-saving surgery.
He made his full international debut last summer for Ireland in the 1-1 draw with Costa Rica.
Duffy was also included in the most recent Ireland squad to face Scotland last November, but will now miss their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier with Poland on 29 March.
The Derry native moved to Blackburn during the summer transfer window after finding first-team opportunities at Everton limited.
He subsequently impressed for Gary Bowyer’s side, making 22 appearances before the injury curtailed his progress.
