Republic of Ireland centre-half Shane Duffy has signed a two-month deal with Championship outfit Derby County having been a free agent since June.

Duffy, 34, departed Norwich City at the end of last season when his contract expired.

He impressed on a trial with the Rams who have offered him an initial short-term contract. Derby are currently managed by John Eustace, who served as Stephen Kenny’s Ireland assistant in 2022.

They’re second from bottom in the table having won just once in their first 12 games.

Duffy is nearing 500 professional appearances across club and international football. He made over 150 appearances during a six-season stint with Brighton and Hove Albion, including 109 in the Premier League.

He has significant Championship experience, having played 217 times in the second tier of English football.

Capped 61 times for his country, the Derryman will be in available for Saturday’s trip to Millwall.

Derby are light defensively at the moment, with Ireland Under-21 centre-back Eiran Cashin sidelined with a calf injury.

In September, Cashin, who started his career at Pride Park, returned on loan from Brighton for the rest of the season.

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