Captain Duffy expects young Ireland crop to peak for Euro 2028

Séamus Coleman’s injury-enforced absence keeps the armband in Shane Duffy’s possession

Shane Duffy during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland’s captain against Greece Shane Duffy has predicted the current batch to peak for Euro 2028 – even if his involvement then is restricted to kitman.

Séamus Coleman’s injury-enforced absence keeps the armband in Duffy’s possession and he’s excited by what surrounds him in the current Ireland squad.

Their precocious talent has to click into a cohesive unit capable of achieving consistent results but Duffy is predicting a bright future, spearheaded by his former Brighton and Hove Albion teammate, Evan Ferguson.

That the centre-back, who turns 32 in January, is the only member in the squad for the double-header against Greece tonight and Gibraltar Monday who played at Euro 2016 illustrates the changing profile of the panel.

Coleman was in France and so too were Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and James McClean, yet the trio were overlooked for this gathering.

John Egan didn’t make the cut seven years ago and is out injured but another left behind by Martin O’Neill, Matt Doherty, will start tonight at Aviva Stadium. He’s just a few weeks younger than Duffy.

“We've got a really exciting future because the majority of the squad is going to be here for the next ten years,” said Duffy.

“This is the first squad I’ve been in as the eldest player – a new role to take on and try to lead by example around the place.

“I try to do it anyway when Séamus is not here we're missing John as well, so we're missing a few big characters.

“But the younger boys are their own characters in their own way. I don't look at them as young boys any more, they've got experience around the place.” 

Ferguson (18) is joined by Gavin Bazunu (21) and Nathan Collins (21) as the trio expected to backbone Ireland once the FAI make the anticipated managerial change in the winter. Andrew Moran has been widely flagged as the missing midfield link to complete that structure from goalkeeper to striker but patience is required before the 19-year-old can be burdened with that mantle.

Crystal-ball gazing is an occupational hazard but the prospect of that cohort peaking by the time the Aviva Stadium hosts six games enthuses Duffy. Ireland just have to ensure they’re an active part of the party.

“For the lads coming through, it’s something really exciting to look forward to,” said the Derryman. “To have the Euros in Dublin is amazing and should be the pinnacle of their careers.

“The one thing I always look for with a young player is how they are around the place with their attitude, especially at this level.

“I think we've got a really good group who want to do well for the country. They are all really proud and want to succeed for the country.

“It helps that they've got a lot of ability to go with it. As long as they're grounded and always want to do the hard work and perform at the top level for Ireland, the future is bright.” 

Ferguson is the one shouldering the heaviest expectation, natural for a striker who is a regular – and regular scorer – in the Premier League.

“When he came to Brighton at 16, Evan was already like a man,” recalls Duffy about the time they first met.

“He stood out unbelievably well but he’s humble first and foremost, never getting ahead of himself.

“For me, he’s got everything - the full package. He’s a strong boy, a top finisher, he’s willing to work for the team and learn.

“For an 18-year-old there is so much pressure on him already, you think that's a good habit to have.

“With a bit of luck he's our talisman for years to come and gets the goals we all want.” 

How long Duffy remains his teammate is unknown. Asked about sticking around the Euros, the Norwich City man was swift to cite perspective. He hadn’t appeared in an Ireland shirt for 15 months up until last month.

“I’m trying to survive until Friday, never mind 2028,” he quipped. “I didn’t even know where I was last year, so it’s difficult to look that far ahead.

“I’ll try to keep my body as best I can but I’ll be 36 then. I’ll never give up, that’s an exciting prospect but I would never outstay my time if I’m not performing at that level.

“I wish I was involved. I hope I am, in some way. It’s a long way away – so maybe I could be the kitman or something because the Euros will be brilliant.”