Brighton central defender Shane Duffy has thanked Everton for the part they played in his development after coming through the academy.
Everton host Brighton at Goodison Park this weekend, with Duffy coming back to his old stomping ground, and the defender has admitted he was not good enough to play for the Blues.
Duffy spent five years with Everton in their academy set-up and made 10 first-team appearances before his move to Blackburn in 2014.
He has since gone on to sign for Brighton and is now impressing as a regular for Chris Hughton’s side.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo ahead of the clash, Duffy said this:
I owe a lot to Everton. I’ll always be thankful for what they did for me.
I know at the time I wasn’t ready to play there and I wasn’t good enough to play there.
I’m so happy [at Brighton]. This is probably the happiest I have been at any club I’ve been at.
Everyone’s ambition is to go as high as they can but for me that’s not even in my head for one second.
You never know if it comes upon you but I’m just so happy here.
Duffy has scored twice in eight Premier League appearances this season, after failing to net in 37 games last campaign.
