'Let's call a spade a spade, he is playing catch up,' Damien Duff stresses cold reality for Mason Melia

Melia's move to Spurs was officially announced on Tuesday with Duff giving his reaction at the League of Ireland's launch on Wednesday.

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division and SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Launch 2025 at Mansion House in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Damien Duff has wished million-euro kid Mason Melia the best at Tottenham but stressed his preference is the earlier route he took.

In contrast to Duff and Robbie Keane who joined English clubs at 16, Brexit rules since 2021 have hiked that age permission to 18.