SHANE Duffy has opened up about the disappointing end to his Blackburn Rovers career.

Duffy’s stock with Rovers supporters could not have been higher after his wonderful winner and memorable celebration at Brentford in March.

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There was also reflected pride among the fan base at the centre-back’s performances for Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016.

But his reputation took a battering after he scored three own goals in two games and was needlessly sent off at Cardiff City.

On his return from suspension Duffy netted his second goal of the season at the right end to seal an EFL Cup victory over Crewe Alexandra.

But that proved to be his last appearance at Ewood Park and for the club as three days later he completed a £4.5m move to Championship rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Duffy admits he was saddened by the events of his final weeks in the blue and white shirt and that he still thinks fondly of his time at the club.

“It’s hard to explain because I’m a proud person so obviously I’m not going to go out and score a couple of own goals,” said the 24-year-old ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier with Georgia last night.

“It was one of those where you’re thinking, ‘where do I look next?’

“But I had people around me, family. I tried to do my best and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

“It’s past me now and I got a good move for myself so I’ve a new lease for me there under a new manager at a new club going a new way.

“I enjoyed my time there at Blackburn, the way it ended wasn’t the way I wanted it to end.

“It’s a great club and I haven’t a bad word to say about them but my circumstances changed and so did the club’s.

“I obviously wanted to better myself and go as high as I can. That’s the only reason I wanted to leave in the end.”

Duffy also endured a rocky start at Brighton as the first two matches in which he played they lost 2-0.

But since then he has helped the Seagulls to four wins and as many clean sheets in the last five games.

Duffy’s form was rewarded with a nomination for the Championship player of the month award for September.

But the honour instead went to Brentford’s seven-goal striker Scott Hogan.

The manager of the month award was claimed by Alex Neil, whose Norwich City side are second behind surprise leaders Huddersfield Town.

  • Three Blackburn Rovers players hoping to follow in Shane Duffy’s footsteps are set to be in international action today.

Tommie Hoban, Darragh Lenihan and Jack Byrne are in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier with Serbia in Waterford (5.45pm).

Ireland have already missed out on qualification to next summer’s finals in Poland.