Duff tips Gannon to mind Michael Duffy in Friday's title decider

Sean Gannon, who Damien Duff called the best full-back in the league, could be key for Shels title decider.

Damien Duff reckons Seán Gannon’s knowledge of Derry City’s Michael Duffy can help propel Shelbourne to a title-clinching win on Friday.

The final game of the season at the Ryan McBride Brandywell was long billed as the title decider but Derry’s bid ended last week and they’ve only got Sunday week’s FAI Cup final to target for silverware.

Instead, it’s Shamrock Rovers who have rallied from a midseason slump to become the only team capable of preventing Duff leading Shels to their first Premier crown for 18 years.

Should Shels drop points against the Candystripes and Rovers beat Waterford in the simultaneous fixture at Tallaght Stadium, then the trophy will remain with the holders. That outcome would secure an unprecedented five-in-row of titles for Rovers.

Gannon was part of the first four triumphs for Rovers, departing in the off-season to join the Shels project Duff has been building since taking his first senior standalone job at the start of 2022.

Damien Duff and Sean Gannon after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and Waterford. 

To complete their campaign at the summit, shackling dynamic Duffy will go a long way. He’s returned from injury to enliven Derry, bagging both goals of their FAI Cup semi-final victory at Bohemians.

“Seán Gannon is the best full-back in the league,” declared Duffy about the 33-year-old.

“He obviously has a tough task tomorrow but, if there is one player that knows Michael Duffy inside out, it’s Sean Gannon.

“First and foremost, as always, defenders need to defend but the message has been clear and simple with Sean all year to help out wide in attack too.” The two-time English Premier League winner insists this week’s preparation for what’s transpired into a Cup final is unchanged. Having experienced league winners in his ranks assists that sense of routine.

“It’s a time for men and for people to stand tall and puff their chests out,” he observed.

“Paddy Barrett, Sean Gannon and Shane Griffin, who’ve leagues, are going to do that, along with others.

“There is a big responsibility also on the guys who haven’t won a league title yet. Hopefully they will win numerous titles in their careers. But you always have to win your first, so that is going to be the case for quite a few players too.”