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He may be on loan at far-off Yeovil Town, but Everton defender Shane Duffy is by no means a forgotten man at Goodison Park.

The centre-back has been a steadying influence in the Glovers’ battle against relegation in the Championship, and the Blues are keeping tabs on his development.

Duffy said: “I was speaking to Everton just last week and it was good to hear that they are watching me. They are seeing I am doing well.

“I just need to keep going. The last few games have been a bit mad and we didn’t get the results but Everton saw that and they can see where I can go from here.”

Duffy, 22, signed on loan for Yeovil last September, with his initial one-month deal being extended to three. He returned to Everton in December but was soon on his way back to Somerset, signing until the end of the season despite interest from other clubs.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international said: “It was a good test to stay here. I could have gone to other places but I wanted to stay.

“I thought it would be a test for myself and the lads. I have never been in this situation in my career so I wanted to give it my best shot.”

Duffy admitted the contrast between the quieter surroundings of South Somerset and Liverpool was something he is getting used to.

He said: “It’s all right, it’s just quiet. It’s probably what I needed. I maybe needed to get out of the big city and focus on football.

“Just going to training, going home and often then watching football is good for someone who arrived here aged 21.

“It’s good for young people to realise that different side of football, coming from Everton."

Duffy, from County Derry, joined the Blues in 2008 and made his debut the following year.