Duffy has not played since the home defeat by Tottenham and has only made three Premier League starts since early December. That after an impressive start to the season when he appeared to have a new lease of life following his return from a miserable loan stint at Celtic. He is likely to be among the subs when the Seagulls go to Wolves tomorrow.
Graham Potter said: “Shane has been a really important member of the team this season. And then, you have to say how well he has done for this football club all round. We were all upset with how the year went for him at Celtic. It was one of those things where on and off the pitch he struggled. It was probably one of the toughest times of his life. But he came back here and was a breath of fresh air, to be honest. He was a credit to himself with how he handled everything. He came into the side and helped us get points. Since Christmas, however, it has not been as simple for him. It has not been as strong a second half of the season as the first for lots of different reasons. But he’s still a really important player for us, and a really important person in the group. As for his future, I think it’s one of those things that we sit down and we speak at the end of the season. He was really low when he came back and was probably thinking about where his career was going. But I think he has proven to everybody that he can compete and play at this level. For Shane as well he’s not getting any younger. So, it’s about how he can play as much football as he can. With all the players you have to sit down with them and think what’s the best thing for him? But he’s someone that we have a huge respect for. He has been brilliant for me since I’ve been here. I love the big guy to death.”
Potter said a decision would be taken jointly on what comes next for Duffy, who has a year left on his current contract.
Graham Potter said: “We just need to help people enjoy football because when that’s happening he’s a really important guy. It has to be a two-way discussion. Shane is an experienced guy and he has got his career and everything to consider. He’s ambitious. He wants to carry on playing for his country. That’s important for him.So, all these things you have to take into consideration when you speak to players.”
Duffy returned to the bench for the draw with Southampton last Sunday.
Graham Potter said: “He picked up something around the international break last time so he has only had a few training sessions. He was probably ahead of schedule on the bench for us. But Shane being Shane, we wanted him around the group, which says a lot about how important he is. He will certainly be in the squad again. They have had a really good season.”
