Michael Duffy is making headlines again. The Derry City winger has scooped the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award for February, and it was a close call.
The 31-year-old beat Bohemians striker Colm Whelan by just three votes in a tight two-horse race. Bohs midfielder Dawson Devoy came in third. This is Duffy's second monthly award after winning it last June, proving he's keeping that brilliant form going strong.
Duffy has been absolutely electric for the Candystripes this season. He's already bagged four goals and put in some stellar performances that have fans buzzing. His recent hat-trick against Waterford included one goal that was pure magic - the kind of individual brilliance that reminds everyone why he's so highly rated.
A Proven Track Record
This isn't just a flash in the pan. Duffy is a Derry lad through and through, coming up through the City youth system. His CV is impressive - two FAI Cups with Derry and Dundalk, two Premier Division titles with Dundalk, and he's been PFA Ireland Player of the Year twice. He's also had stints with Celtic's Development squad and loan spells at Alloa Athletic and Dundee, earning nine U21 caps for Northern Ireland along the way.
"I am delighted to win this award again for myself and my team," Duffy said. "I think it's recognition that we must be doing something right in Derry. It helps to keep the standards high and pushes us on to be even better."
Last season, Duffy netted 14 goals in all competitions and passed 150 appearances for his hometown club. Those numbers suggest punters might want to keep an eye on him in the goalscorer markets as the season progresses.
Eyes on the Prize Despite Slow Start
Derry have big plans this season, though they're sitting mid-table after five league games. They suffered their second defeat last Friday against Shamrock Rovers, so there's work to do. But Duffy remains focused on silverware.
"There's a lot of expectation here at the club and obviously we want to be successful this season," he explained. "But we are only five games into our league campaign and we all want to chase the silverware."
There's an interesting twist coming next month. Derry will play four games at Celtic Park while the Brandywell gets a new pitch. It's the first time the club will play at the GAA stadium, and Duffy is buzzing about it.
"It's a fine stadium, it will be exciting for the fans and it will be class for us to get to play on a good grass surface as well," he said. "Hopefully it will all have a positive impact on the team."
For Duffy, this is personal. Playing for his hometown club means everything. "I had a few unbelievable years at Dundalk and I will never forget them, but to get success at Derry would mean more to me," he admitted. "To end my career at my hometown club would be ideal and it would be special for me. I have come back to my roots."
With Duffy in this kind of form, Derry fans have every reason to be optimistic. The veteran winger is showing no signs of slowing down, and if he can help lift City up the table, this season could be something special.
