Horan delighted with Duffy’s ‘great progress’

Mayo manager James Horan has stopped short of saying Gavin Duffy is ready to make his senior inter-county debut against Galway in the Connacht final, but he says he’s delighted with the progress of his "most improved player".

The former Connacht and Ireland rugby star made his return to club championship action on Sunday for his adopted club Salthill/Knocknacarra in their Galway SFC victory.

And, after starting at midfield for his club, Horan is hoping to get more game-time into Duffy ahead of the MacHale Park decider on Sunday week in their tradition A versus B games.

“It’s just football he needs. He needs as much football as he can get. He’s making great progress.

“We had someone looking at him. He played midfield and played very well.

“He was very strong and competitive in the middle and they had a two-point win.

“He had big part to play in that so he’s making progress for sure,” said Horan.