Shane Duffy had to change on and off the pitch to emerge as a leader for Norwich City under Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Duffy captained the side in recent games with Kenny McLean suspended, and club captain Grant Hanley behind the Irishman and Jose Cordoba in the pecking order.

The 32-year-old’s club form earned him an international recall for Nations League games against Finland and England this week, before he withdrew on fitness grounds.

Thorup has previously hailed the centre back’s willingness to buy into his philosophy, but the City boss also wanted to see him get his personal life in order after unwanted headlines last season, including admitting a drink drive charge.

“Before Glen (Riddersholm) and I arrived here, we could, of course, also read both in the papers and the media the things that have happened last season, and it's difficult not to be a little bit affected by that,” said the Canaries’ head coach, speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk. “It's natural, it's impossible not to be affected with all the stories going on.

"But what we saw since we arrived is that he’s committed himself, and we also tried to make it clear for him that we are here to give players second chances, and sometimes to some players third chances, maybe. And I think he dealt with it in a good way.

“I hope, like everyone can see at the moment, he's really taking some steps in a really, really good direction. He's taking responsibility for the team and he's showing a side of himself that we maybe haven't seen so much in his time yet in the club.

"Big applause to him, because it's mostly him and taking up the fight for that spot in the team, but also the way that we play and really engaging with the stuff that we do.”

Duffy’s leadership credentials were also flagged by Republic boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, after he opted to recall the 61-cap defender prior to his withdrawal on Monday on fitness grounds.

"I wanted to see the upcoming exciting younger centre backs so in the beginning we went for younger players but I felt - especially last camp and before - there were some areas we can improve," he said, ahead of Thursday’s Dublin date with the Finns.

"For example, we lost a lot of duels, especially against Greece in the first half, and his leadership, his character will probably help us in that area.

"It's good to see what he brings in and I hope they will be the attributes he will come in with, with leadership, a little bit more steel and winning duels, especially set-pieces, etc.”