SHANE Duffy has joined Blackburn Rovers on a three-year-deal for a reported fee of £1.5m.
The 22-year-old former Everton defender has previously enjoyed loan spells at Burnley, and Scunthorpe before spending all of last season at Yeovil Town.
He is hoping that regular first team action under new boss Gary Bower will improve his chances of breaking into Martin O’Neill’s competitive Ireland squad.
“Last year I played 40 games (at Yeovil) and got on the internationals scene so it was a good season for me,” said Duffy.
“I didn’t want to stay there (in background at Everton) and go backwards again. It’s all about developing as a player and the more I play football, the more I want to get better.
“Coming here is a great chance for me to do that. Of course you want to stay at Everton – it’s a top-five Premier League club – but it’s so difficult to get in and that was the main factor in me deciding to come here.”
On the final day of transfers Crystal Palace also signed Wolves striker Kevin Doyle on loan until January.
The 30-year-old Ireland international finished last season on loan at QPR, whilst Wolves were re-gaining promotion into the Championship.
Former U17 Ireland international Michael Keane joined Burnley on loan until January from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old made his first Premier League appearance for United against Sunderland last month, since signing professional terms in 2011.
