Former Celtic defender Adam Virgo reckons Shane Duffy would have struggled even more against Rangers in a packed Ibrox stadium - as he was a bag of nerves behind closed doors.

The Irishman has been heavily criticised since joining on loan from Brighton, with some dire performances in a Hoops jersey a cause for concern. And some slack passing and a potential red card challenge on Ryan Kent did nothing to change anyone's mind in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Gers.

Virgo knows what it is like to play - and flop - at Celtic having did so himself after signing for the Hoops back in 2005. And he believes Duffy may have played his last game in green and white unless manager Neil Lennon fails to bring in defensive cover this month.

"I dread to think what Shane would have been like with a full crowd [at Ibrox]," Virgo said. "I think it would have been ten times worse for him. He looked a bag of nerves coming on against Rangers. Signings like this can happen, like myself.

“Unfortunately for Shane he’s made too many mistakes which have led to goals. Neil’s going to be very brave to stick with him. I don’t think Shane can say he has not been given chances."

Virgo also believes Duffy may fail to break back into the Brighton squad he was loaned to Celtic from, and could seek a move elsewhere when his spell at Parkhead ends.

He added: "I don’t see Shane going back to Brighton because he won’t get into the side. Other clubs will take him in the Championship. I guarantee Chris Hughton, who had him at Brighton, would snap him up at Nottingham Forest.

"As much as I know Lenny — and he’s a really loyal guy —  he might have to look Shane in the eye and say it’s as much as he can do, unless he can’t bring anyone else in and he’s got no other choice."