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Inverness Caledonian Thistle came out with a lot of credit for giving champions Celtic a fright in the 3-1 defeat in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.
Sports editor Will Clark says the one man which he felt was outstanding for Inverness, was someone who many were surprised to be in the starting line-up.
He’s not a first team regular at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, but if there is one player who rose to the occasion in the Scottish Cup final, it was Wallace Duffy.
The full back was outstanding for the Championship outfit against Celtic at Hampden yesterday, putting in a stubborn defensive performance as well as pushing his team forward in the few breaks they got up front.
It was always going to be a tough task to stop a rampant Celtic team claiming a record breaking eighth treble.
But workmanlike performances in the back line, epitomised by Duffy’s determined performance at right back, Inverness made it a competitive final and not on a receiving end of a hiding that a lot of people expected.
During Duffy’s time at Inverness, he has been considered as back-up to David Carson at right back.
However, an impressive performance against Falkirk in the semi final when Carson was suspended, saw him keep his place in the position in the final league match of the season against Ayr United.
Was seen as a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up in yesterday’s final, with Carson moved into midfield and Daniel MacKay relegated to the bench.
Head coach Billy Dodds obviously was wary of the firepower that Celtic possessed and thought that a defensive outlook was necessary.
Given the hidings Celtic have dished out to teams in the Premiership, nobody could blame him for the approach that he took.
And for the majority of the first half, it was working, as Caley Thistle pretty much nullified Celtic’s attack.
Duffy was at the heart of a good defensive display, keeping the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda quiet.
However, he was also the spark in Inverness’ attack, causing problems on the right wing. In the second half, he showed how effective he can be on the charge.
At 1-0 down, he surged up the wing and fired a great cross into that was inches away from finding Nathan Shaw on the edge of the six-yard box.
With seven minutes remain, one of his crosses was converted when a fantastic pass from the right win found the diving header of Daniel MacKay to nod past Joe Hart and give Inverness hope.
In the end, Celtic proved too good. But Inverness walked away knowing they gave the champions a fright and Duffy was instrumental in giving them a lot of credit at Hampden.
The 24-year-old, who arrived from St Johnstone in 2020, is out of contract, and if not considered first choice at right back for next season, could be on his way out this summer.
However, with the space left in midfield with the departures of loan players and expected others set to leave the club, Dodds may consider moving Carson back to midfield next season.
That may allow Duffy to become a first team regular at right-back again. He certainly strengthened his case for the role against Celtic last night.