Michael Duffy: 'I was back playing my best football in 2025' says Candystripes winger Michael Duffy
After playing for Northern Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level, Duffy switched allegiances to the Republic of Ireland in 2018 after discussions with then Irish boss Martin O'Neill.In October of this year, club boss Lynch said he believed "without a doubt" that the winger could play for the Republic of Ireland, but Duffy is yet to be called into a squad, despite some close calls under previous boss Stephen Kenny."I came close to when I was at Dundalk and when Stephen Kenny took over as (Republic of Ireland manager), a lot of players were dropping out during the Covid pandemic."Duffy describes returning from one training session to see two missed calls from Kenny."I really thought I was going to get in that time. The circumstances were sort of perfect with so many players out. I really thought I could get to play," he continued."But Stephen said my international clearance still hadn't come through and it just didn't happen."That hurt a lot."Duffy said following Lynch's comments there was a lot of talk, but "nothing came of it really" and his full focus is on playing the best football he can for Derry."I don't overthink it now like I did then. That moment happened, and it did hurt."Now I just get on with my football. I give everything for Derry and if the call-up comes someday, that would be amazing."
