Former Celtic coach and Ireland star set for Linfield UCL showdown | OneFootball

Former Celtic coach Damien Duff will travel to Belfast this summer after his Shelbourne side were drawn against Linfield. The Irish teams play in different leagues but will meet as they both look to make headway in European competition.

Duff, who was one of the star players for Ireland in the early noughties and 2010s, has impressed in management after leaving Celtic in 2020. The ex-Chelsea star enjoyed a period of success working alongside Neil Lennon and John Kennedy; however, due to covid-19, Duff returned to Ireland to be with his family.

Duff was involved with the Ireland set up but left his role after showing a historic montage before a game against England at Wembley, which was strangely deemed inappropriate. This setback didn’t define Duff and the Premier League winner soon found his feet with Shels.

The Mourinho-esque touchline performances from Duff have endeared him to the Shels faithful, who celebrated league success last year. That success sets up an eyewatering clash between the Dublin club and N Irish side Linfield. Managed by ex-Rangers striker David Healy, the political aspect to the game will not be lost on UEFA and it could end up being an intriguing watch.

Hopefully Duff and his side can get the better of Linfield and ensure progression to the next round.