FLYING HIGH…Shane Duffy moves from Rovers to Seagulls in £3.4 million deal last August
SHANE Duffy has won promotion to the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion this season.
It is a long way from learning his craft with Foyle Harps all those years ago.
But now after his secure promotion, 25-year-old Duffy will for the 2017/18 season be facing the top strikers in the Premiership
Duffy has formed a crucial part of the Seagulls defence this season after signing from Blackburn last August in a £3.4 million move.
Brighton’s 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic on Easter Monday when coupled with Huddersfield Town’s failure to beat Derby County, was enough to earn the club promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Duffy has been out injured since fracturing his metatarsal in March, but is hopeful of returning before the end of the season.
When he has been fit, he has been a regular in Chris Hughton’s side, scoring two goals in 31 appearances.
Promotion means Duffy will be in line to start next season by making his first appearance in the top flight since a solitary appearance for Everton in the 2012-13 campaign.
The 25-year-old has also forced his way into the Republic of Ireland squad, earning eight caps for his country including two appearances at Euro 2016.
