Conor Kearns: Duff has made me a stronger character

Shelbourne goalkeeper Conor Kearns says Damien Duff has made him "a stronger character" and believes the former Republic of Ireland international is on track to bring silverware to Tolka Park.

Kearns had an excellent 2023 with the Reds, playing a major part in helping them to qualify for Europe thanks to a fourth-placed finish in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.

He was named in the PFAI Team of the Year and has been nominated for the SSE Airtricity Soccer Writers Ireland Goalkeeper of the Year award, but the 25-year-old is keen to direct all praise his boss's way.

"In terms of the influence he's had on me he has definitely made me a stronger character," said Kearns.

"He has pushed me to levels in training that I have not necessarily hit before.

"It's not to speak ill of any other coaches or managers that I have had, he just seems to set this new standard of every single player. He works very tightly with the goalkeeping group, he works very tightly the goalkeeper group and with Paul Skinner, who is a fantastic coach.

"He has that influence of demanding a really high standard in training.

"At the moment the club looks like it’s only going to go one way under his guidance. It was absolutely huge that he remained at the club for next season, certainly not just for myself but for a number of players that message was echoed - that we really really feel that the right man is at the wheel at the moment.

"When your players feel that way it can only be a positive."

There had been some questions marks over Duff's future until a change of ownership at Shels last month saw Hull City owner Acun IIicali hand back control of the club to its Irish directors. That swiftly led to Duff's contract being renewed, with plans for next season