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Transfer news: Blackburn's Shane Duffy eager to play after Everton exit

Shane Duffy of Everton in action during the preseason friendly match between Austria Wien and FC Everton at the Generali Arena
Image: Shane Duffy: Ireland defender has joined Blackburn from Everton

Shane Duffy claims he left Everton and joined Blackburn due to a fear of stagnating at Goodison Park.

The 22-year-old defender completed a deadline-day switch to Ewood Park, leaving the Toffees after making just 10 senior appearances despite coming through the ranks there.

The Republic of Ireland international believes loan spells with the likes of Burnley, Scunthorpe and Yeovil have improved him and hopes first-team football with Rovers can take his game on another level.

"It's all about developing as a player and the more I play football, the more I want to get better," he told Blackburn Rovers TV.

"Coming here is a great chance for 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 coming here.

"Last year I played 40 games (at Yeovil) and got on to the international scene so it was a good season for me. I didn't want to stay there and go backwards again."

The Toffees have conceded a staggering 10 goals in three games this season, but Duffy was still likely to be behind Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Antolin Alcaraz in the pecking order.

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And Blackburn's latest signing insists he was not prepared to bide his time and wait for opportunities under Roberto Martinez.

"I was just training at Everton and then after training I got the call that a fee was agreed and it was up to me whether I wanted to stay or go," Duffy explained.

"It was a tough decision to leave Everton, of course. But I had the chance to come to a big club and play football and that was the main aim. Hopefully I can do that.

"It was a big thing for me. I sat down with my family and agent and spoke about that. I'm 22 now and I think it's a big thing for anyone at this age.

"I went on loan last year and had a real benefit from it. I didn't want to sit around at Everton and wait for injuries so that was the decision I made. Hopefully it will be a good one."

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