Derry City winger Michael Duffy has kicked off the new season in style. The 31-year-old has won the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award for February. It's his second monthly award after winning it last June.
The vote was incredibly tight. Duffy edged out Bohemians striker Colm Whelan by just three votes. Bohs midfielder Dawson Devoy finished in third place in the nationwide poll.
Duffy's hot form has been impossible to ignore. He's already bagged four goals for the Candystripes this season. His most impressive display came against Waterford, where he scored a hat-trick that included one absolutely stunning solo goal.
A Proven Winner Returns Home
The Derry-born winger isn't new to success. He's a two-time PFA Ireland Player of the Year and has won silverware with both Derry and Dundalk. His trophy cabinet includes two FAI Cups and two Premier Division titles from his time with the Lilywhites.
Duffy's career path took him through Celtic's Development squad and loan spells at Alloa Athletic and Dundee. He also earned nine caps for Northern Ireland at U21 level. But coming home to Derry clearly means the most to him.
"I am delighted to win this award again for myself and my team," Duffy said. "It's recognition that we must be doing something right in Derry. It helps keep the standards high and pushes us to be even better."
Big Expectations Despite Mid-Table Position
Here's the interesting bit for punters. Despite Duffy's brilliant form, Derry City are sitting mid-table after five games. They've already suffered two defeats, including a loss to Shamrock Rovers last Friday. The gap between individual brilliance and team results could create some betting value.
Duffy himself acknowledges the pressure. "There's a lot of expectation here at the club and obviously we want to be successful this season," he admitted. "But we are only five games into our league campaign and we all want to chase the silverware."
An exciting development is coming next month. Derry will temporarily move to Celtic Park for four games while the Brandywell gets a new pitch. It's the first time the club will play at the GAA stadium. Duffy believes the quality grass surface could give the team a boost.
"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," he said. The venue change could be a factor to watch when placing bets on upcoming Derry matches.
With 14 goals last season and over 150 appearances for his hometown club, Duffy wants to finish his career where it started. "To end my career at my hometown club would be ideal and it would be special for me," he added. "I have come back to my roots."
