Shane Duffy is on a personal redemption mission at Norwich City after making life changes in pursuit of finding on-pitch consistency.

The Irish international has been ever-present under Johannes Hoff Thorup despite a drink-drive charge in the summer.

Duffy, 32, has used that incident as a personal turning point and has upped his professionalism, including investing in a band to monitor his sleep and becoming more invested in his nutrition and sports science.

That has yielded on-pitch improvements and the defender has explained why the changes were necessary as he seeks to make the most of his second chance in Norfolk after a difficult opening campaign at the club.

“I think I’ve talked about it quite openly,” Duffy told the Pink Un. “I’ve made subtle changes in my life.

“Obviously, everyone knows what happened at the end of last season, so I had to try and turn things around for myself, my career, and whatever is left of it. I owe it to the club as well for sticking by me, and I’ve got my head down.

“I’m one of those players who always wants to learn, and I was really excited when the new manager came in so I could learn new things, even at my age, and try to prove a point that I could play in his team.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge. I know you have to be top-level to play under Johannes, or you don’t play. I’m enjoying it, feeling fit and playing every minute. I’ve got to keep it at a consistent level throughout the campaign.”

That turnaround in Duffy has seen him handed the armband in the absence of Kenny McLean owing to suspension – and that extra responsibility is something the Irishman has relished.

Shane Duffy has captained City in the last two matches in Kenny McLean's absence.Shane Duffy has captained City in the last two matches in Kenny McLean's absence. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) “I’m grateful. It’s a young team so I have a bit more responsibility with Kenny out,” said Duffy. “Grant is the captain, and he does a lot even though he’s not playing. It’s just me out there with an armband on.

“Nothing changes for me. I’m very grateful and honoured to captain this club. I’ve captained my country between 10 and 20 times, so it’s nothing new to me, and I’m pretty comfortable in the role.

“I think I’m a leader in the group anyway, so nothing really changes. I’m just trying to stay at a consistent level with my own game and just keep leading so I can help others and lead on the pitch.”