Defender Shane Duffy hopes his Republic of Ireland rapport with Niall Canavan will help him quickly settle in at Scunthorpe United.

After returning from Under-21 international duty, the Everton centre-back will get his first taste of life at Glanford Park today when Sheffield United come to town.

Having signed on an initial one-month loan deal, Duffy is keen to impress in order to lengthen his stay.

"I just want experience and games, and obviously to help the team do well – that's the main thing," said the 19-year-old, who managed one appearance for Burnley while on loan there last term.

"I want to prove myself as a player and get some football under my belt.

"I've not really done that yet.

"I've not really been able to get out on loan because I've always been around the first-team at Everton, just in case of injuries.

"They've always had to keep me for back-up and I've just been playing reserve football.

"This is a big chance for me.

"Hopefully I can help Scunthorpe get some clean sheets and win games.

"If we can do that then it will give me confidence and the team confidence to push on.

"If the manager here still wants me after a month, and if Everton are still happy and there are no injuries, then we could extend it."

Duffy revealed the move to North Lincolnshire was an easy choice to make once United expressed their interest.

"I had a few clubs interested so I had a decision to make, but I jumped at the chance of coming to Scunthorpe," he said.

"It's such a good club and hopefully I can help the team bounce straight back up.

"I know Niall and have been away with him for two weeks now on international duty.

"We've been talking about the club and what it will be like.

"He's a good lad and hopefully I can play alongside him, that would be good.

"It's been good to meet the new lads and I can't wait to get started.

"It's awkward at first but the lads took me in straight away and that's what you want.

"You always worry what it's going to be like but I've enjoyed it.

"Hopefully it will all go well."