EVERTON AND IRELAND defender Shane Duffy has what it takes to shine in the English top flight, according to club mate Sylvain Distin.
The Derry native made just three senior appearances for the Toffees last season due to the form of Distin and Phil Jagielka and, at 21, will be desperate to feature more prominently this term.
David Moyes has departed for Manchester United with Roberto Martinez succeeding the Scot, meaning the squad have been all attempting to catch the eye of their new manager during pre-season.
Having captained Ireland’s U21s, Duffy was called up by Giovanni Trapattoni for the friendly with Greece last November but wasn’t used on the night.
If he is to force his way into the Italian’s plans, securing regular football at club level is vital.
Speaking to evertontv, Distin said: “It’s difficult to predict what is going to happen because football is never an exact science.
What I am sure about is that I’ve seen enough of Duffy to feel comfortable with him being able to play in the Premier League and I’m pretty sure he already proved it two seasons ago when because of injuries he had to play and he did a great job.
“I remember when I came back into the squad I told him I was happy to be back obviously, but I didn’t feel like it was fair because he did great.
“I think he surprised a lot of people and possibly even himself. That will have given him a confidence boost and we will have to wait and see.”
Meanwhile, Everton assistant boss Graeme Jones has praised Seamus Coleman after he was involved in the 4-1 win over Accrington Stanley with just two days training under his belt.
His (Coleman’s) movement is a bit of a lesson for all strikers because he loves to penetrate in behind the defence,” said Jones.
“Darron Gibson gets two seconds on the ball and Seamus is the first to move. So for a boy whose only had two training sessions in five weeks it’s refreshing and really good to see.
“We’re excited to work with him. He’s a naturally fit boy or he wouldn’t have had 45 minutes, so it bodes really well.”
