John Eustace responds after Derby County complete transfer

John Eustace believes Shane Duffy's experience can help Derby County come through their "difficult moment" after signing the former Brighton defender on a free transfer.

Duffy has put pen to paper on a short-term deal until January, which was announced earlier today, and he could be in line to face Millwall at the weekend.

The former Republic of Ireland international was released by Norwich in the summer, but has trained with Derby over the last two weeks, and his arrival comes at a time when the defence has been decimated by injury.

While Duffy brings a wealth of experience, Eustace said his attitude off the pitch will be equally as important.

"I think Shane's coming in with great experience and know-how," he said. "He's come in to help the group, first and foremost to help training, to help the players who are playing at the moment, and with a bit of luck, if we keep him fit and get him going, I think he'll be a great addition to the group.

"He hasn't played much, but we'll give him the opportunity to get fit over the next two, three and four weeks, and just to have his voice around the group will certainly benefit us.

"He's just a good character to bring in and to help the group, I think. We desperately need some help at the back, and to give us the best chance of moving forward, we need those players to come in and help.

"I appreciate they're not fully fit, but it's a really difficult time for us. Hopefully, that can help us get through a really difficult moment."

Duffy has a reputation for being a formidable presence at set-pieces, something Derby have missed in the wake of an injury to Matt Clarke.

That was a big source of goals for Derby last season and Eustace is hoping Duffy can add more threat in the final third.

Speaking ahead of the Millwall game at the weekend, Eustace added: "I think throughout the season that's what we've missed basically, so he'll come in and do the job.

"Matt Clarke is the best defender in the league in both boxes for sure. We've certainly missed him and I think Shane is very similar. You look at his CV, and he's been promoted out of the league, he's played in the Premier League, and he has lots of international experience."

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