CHELSEA hero Damien Duff got Shelbourne fans all fired up after leading the Irish team to a stunning comeback win over their rivals.
Duff has been the Shels’ manager since 2021 after his appointment by chairman Acun Ilıcalı, who is also in charge of Championship outfit Hull City.
The former midfielder has already endeared himself with the Shelbourne faithful after leading the team to the FAI Cup Final last year.
The 44-year-old tactician’s stock rose even higher after Friday’s stunning League of Ireland Premier Division clash with St Patrick’s Athletic.
Shelbourne saw the visitors open the scoring through Joe Redmond after only 20 minutes at Tolka Park, which has a capacity of just over 4,000.
However, Duff led the hosts to a magnificent late comeback, which was boosted by John-Alan McGrath’s dismissal for St Patrick on 65 minutes.
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Shelbourne equalised in the 80th minute with Euclides Cabral and turned the game on its head with Paddy Barrett 10 minutes later.
After the game, an ecstatic Duff approached the fiery home crowd and took a page out of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s book as he emulated the German gaffer’s signature post-match celebration.
The ex-Newcastle star punched the air four times with the fans loudly cheering each gesture.
Supporters watching from home also found themselves on cloud nine as they took to social media to join in on all the fun.
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One tweeted: “Damien Duff, Shelbourne boss, absolutely giving it some.”
Another commented: “Ahh I see he went to the Klopp school of crowd hyping.”
A third posted: “Damien Duff! Doesnt [sic] matter what you’ve done in the game… Titles, multi million pound moves…we are all just fans. Wholesome stuff from the tricky winger. Haha.”
This fan said: “Love that.”
And that one stated: “Go on Duffers!!”
Duff joined Chelsea in 2003 following a stunning seven-year stint at Blackburn.
The former Republic of Ireland international shone bright at Stamford Bridge as he amassed a total of 19 goals and 29 assists in 125 appearances.
The ex-Fulham star spent three years with the Blues and also won two Premier League titles as well as the 2005 League Cup.
Duff also learned from one of the best managers as he spent two years playing under Jose Mourinho.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
