Duffy is in his first international squad this year after playing a key role in the Norfolk side’s positive start to the Championship season, having struggled for game time at Fulham last term.
The Boys in Green face France in Paris tomorrow evening, with the centre-back in contention for a start and team-mate Adam Idah expected to do so up front.
Wagner believes Duffy’s return is great news for Stephen Kenny’s men, with a home game against the Netherlands also on the horizon.
“Great games which they have in front of them,” he said. “I think Duffy really deserved to be called up again after what he has shown. He is not only a very, very good defender but a top leader, a winner.
“He has a certain aura, which is something very special, and he’s a good person, character and man as well. He loves to play football, so he normally does not like to have a rest. He always likes to play.
“To be fair, after he didn’t play as much last season we are very happy. Ireland can be very happy as well that he is back on track.”
The 31-year-old played only seven times last year, and has already matched that number in the 2023-24 campaign. Wagner says his sports science department can take the credit for the ex-Brighton man’s rapid improvement, but that he had faith all along.
“The fitness department built him up quite well over the pre-season, quite sensibly,” he continued. “Now I think fitness-wise he’s in a shape that allows him to play two games in three days without any issue.
“We are very happy about this. It took a little bit of time, this is true as well. But I was 100pc convinced and sure that he could be a top signing, a proper player, an important player for us.
“I had so much trust and belief in him when we signed him, and I think he has shown this now in the first weeks.
“Hopefully he stays healthy the whole season. That would be great for him and for us as well.”
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