Shane Duffy’s place in Ireland’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier with France is under threat because of his difficult season at club level.

Stephen Kenny has admitted that he has a “lot to consider” with regard to Duffy after what has proved to be a desperately disappointing move to Fulham.

He joined the Premier League newcomers on a season-long loan from Brighton but has been restricted to four cameo appearances off the bench in the league and a pair of cup appearances.

Duffy’s move was made permanent in January but only on a technicality because Fulham wanted to make room for another loan signing and his deal expires at the end of the season.

It’s a difficult situation for Kenny who has a good relationship with the 31-year-old but has good match-sharp options in the centre-half department.

“My take on it is this,” said Kenny, “At the time (signing for Fulham), on paper he was delighted with the move. They had two centre-backs, Tosin (Adarabioyo) and (Tim) Ream, who’d been in the Championship, who were not proven Premier League players. He was coming from a situation at Brighton where (Adam) Webster and (Lewis) Dunk were excellent. It was hard to get in there. They paid £20m for Webster. Dunk was club captain and had done brilliantly.

“He went to Fulham and he’s thinking, ‘Right they’ve two defenders who played in the Championship; they’re going to start. They’re unproven at this level. I’ll take my chance. With an injury, I’ll get a chance.’

“The following week, they signed (Issa) Diop from West Ham for £13m. That meant he was one of four. I went to see him play against Crawley in the Carabao Cup. They were beaten. It wasn’t good.

“There was talk of a move at Christmas. Fulham had paid a loan fee to Brighton for him. It probably covered his wages. Another club would have to go and negotiate that with Brighton. He found himself in a bit of a quandary.

“He played in the FA Cup against Sunderland, his first proper game of the year but he didn’t play against Leeds (in the FA Cup) the other night. It’s been far from ideal for Shane.”

John Egan and Dara O’Shea are playing regularly at Championship level while Andrew Omobamidele is also back in the picture at Norwich although he is in and out of their team. Kenny is a big fan of the young Dubliner.

Nathan Collins’ spell on the sidelines at Wolves is another concern but he has still been involved for most of the campaign, while Séamus Coleman is an option for a spot on the right of the back three and remains firmly in the picture at Everton.

Darragh Lenihan has played regularly for Middlesbrough throughout the campaign, although Kenny has indicated the Meathman is managing an injury that might complicate his international options.

Duffy’s fate appears to be out of his hands.