Shelbourne's Seán Boyd has no qualms with manager Damien Duff's tough love policy

Damien Duff’s doghouse doesn’t have to be a permanent residency for Shelbourne’s Shane Farrell.

Two petulant bookings in the space of 12 minutes against Shamrock Rovers on Monday not only cost the substitute a red card but potential victory, in the eyes of Duff.

The Ireland legend’s withering criticism of the midfielder’s off-field indiscipline dominated the aftermath of the scoreless draw which kept the Reds at the summit.

They face St Patrick’s Athletic tonight without the suspended Farrell but his teammate Seán Boyd can empathise.

His red card in the February season opener at Waterford – despite scoring – enraged Duff but he’s come out the other side of being cold shouldered to thrive.

“Shane is in trouble because we had the chance of winning the game and he let us down,” said the striker.

“I’ve been there myself and it is tough. After Waterford, I was hurting because we should have won that night.

“It could be just from a training session and I’d be in the doghouse but I don’t want to be left floating along and there just be nothing.

“The manager wanted the best for me. They want the best for Shane too and it comes from a place of love.” 

Duff highlights that policy of tough love and Boyd has no qualms about. He’s been on the league circuit since his teens and experienced enough, especially with long-term injuries, to be qualified to judge.

“You don’t want managers to string you along, say how great you are and then throw you out,” he asserts.

“I’ve been around. I’ve heard stories. I know players. All I want is a manager to be honest with you. That’s what we have with Damien and his assistant Joey (O’Brien).” As a collective, they’ve been this season’s surprise packets. They’ve a three-point lead at the