Michael Duffy has 'blown everyone out of the water' says Derry City skipper Patrick McEleney

Duffy arrived last season amid much fanfare alongside McEleney but his long awaited Brandywell return was postponed due an injury sustained in pre-season.

When he eventually made his second debut for the club against Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in mid-March, he fractured his tibia which ruled him out of the majority of the campaign.

McEleney was amazed at how the former Celtic and Dundalk man made an explosive return to Derry’s first team for the final three months of the season, helping them to that memorable sixth FAI Cup success in November.

The player admitted he didn’t want the season to end as he began to hit top form but McEleney revealed that his good friend and ex-Dundalk teammate has picked up where he left off with some eyebrow-raising displays during pre-season.

"He obviously got his injury last year and came back and for somebody to come back from that injury and still be able to perform the way he did, it's unbelievable and that’s coming from a player who knows how hard it is to come back at times,” stated McEleney.

"To be able to do what he did was outstanding but Mickey knows himself he's massive for us and we need him.

"He takes that responsibility on himself to be fair but he's come back pre-season and blew everyone out of the water with how fit he is. That's testament to how he trains and lives.”

He’ll certainly be a major player should Derry challenge Shamrock Rovers in the title race once more this campaign. As will City skipper McEleney but his start to the new season is likely to be delayed with a slight injury concern.

It’s unlikely he’ll be risked for tonight’s President’s Cup Final but he insists he’s in ‘a good place’.

“I was coming back from that major injury into pre-season last year,” he recalled. “It took me a while to get going and then I finished quite strong, so it's just ticking on from there.

"I know what I'm able to do for the team personally so it’s just all about getting a run of games. My injury now isn't bad at all, I'm in a good place.”

The midfielder’s influence on the team was immense last season and his contribution crucial as Derry battled on two fronts.

Having won three League of Ireland Premier Division titles with Dundalk and a First Division championship with Derry during a medal-strewn career, McEleney will once more prove to be an influential figure both in the dressing room and on the pitch.

He’s Ruaidhrí Higgins’ right hand man on the playing field and while he’s relishing the responsibility, the Shantallow man admits he’s still ‘learning on the job’.

"I know what I'm capable of. I have my own qualities which I bring to the team. It's a different role for me and I'm still learning on the job but I'll do whatever I can.”