'I just want Damien to be Damien': Keith Andrews hails Duff's impact at Brentford

BEES BUZZING: Brentford manager Keith Andrews celebrates with his coaching staff. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Fresh from torpedoing Tottenham into oblivion on their Premier League return, Brentford manager Keith Andrews was swift to credit his compatriot Damien Duff.

Saturday’s 3-0 win at the Gtech Stadium was aided on the pitch by a clean sheet for Caoimhín Kelleher and Nathan Collins while along the sidelines Andrew, Duff and Stephen Rice were entitled to embrace as their assiduous preparation helped tank their London neighbours.

“I just want Damien to be Damien,” Andrews said of his former Ireland teammate and fellow assistant, for a brief spell at the start of Stephen Kenny’s reign.

“He’s my number two and has a lot of responsibilities. People look at his playing career, but that’s just a tiny bit of it for me. What makes him who he is? It’s his craft, his coaching, the level of detail, his passion.

“He’s a magnificent coach, he’s brilliant support for me day-to-day.”

Duff’s return to the frontline coaching arose in the summer as he sought a new direction following a year out after quitting Shelbourne just eight months on from securing their first Premier Division title for 18 years.

Andrews was in the market to bolster his staff. He guided Brentford to a ninth place Premier League finish in his first year as a standalone boss.

“I’ve known Damien a long, long time and love his personality, drive and passion,” added his fellow Dubliner Andrews.

“We’re working really, really well together. He’s someone I trust implicitly, someone who’s already built up a really good rapport with staff members and players.”

Next up for the Irish legion is Tuesday night’s trip to Birmingham City in the EFL Cup second round.