Damien Duff backs Shelbourne attacking duo to be best in the country

Damien Duff is not one to reel off bland cliches during his post-match media duties.

Every question is digested, chewed over and responded to with intense honesty and, often, disarming humour.

Having watched his side win the curtain-raising President's Cup with a comfortable 2-0 defeat of ten-man Drogheda United at Tolka Park, Duff was asked to assess the performance of Mipo Odubeko, the 22-year-old former Republic of Ireland underage international who arrived in the winter.

"He's a real threat, he's an athletic freak and he’s going to score goals, plain and simple," said Duff.

"He's been a pleasure to work with throughout pre-season. Like I’ve said, I love when players make that bold step or leap to come here. Kerr (McInroy), Ellis (Chapman), Mipo – there’s obviously been a few more that have been here for maybe a few years and become League of Ireland players. This is their adopted home. But Mipo was excellent."

Odubeko bashed the Drogs back line around with the help of the equally physical Sean Boyd. The pair formed an old-fashioned front two partnership that has the potential to reap serious rewards this year. Indeed Duff believes he might have the best attacking duo in the country on his hands, though every compliment the manager dishes out tends to come served with a reminder of who's boss.

"I have to be careful what I say because I don’t want them two thinking they’re the two lion kings around this place," he added.

"Our systems change and we don’t always play two strikers but for sure when we play the two of them up top, granted Mipo can pop down more and out to the sides, is there a better duo in the league? Possibly not.

"I'm happy. It’s another proud experience, It’s good to hear the national anthem at Tolka Park,