As Dylan Reid turns down a move to Celtic how can the club convince young talent that there is a pathway to the first team?
With the arrival of Australian footballing legend Harry Kewell at Celtic, former Hoops captain Stephen McManus was given a new role with the B team which Ange Postecoglou emphasised was important in creating a strong link between both sides.
Having spent a full season working under Postecoglou, McManus knows all about the demands which the manager has which he can translate into the B team set up.
It looked as though St Mirren youngster Dylan Reid may have been the first player to make the move to the Scottish Champions and transition through to the first team but with deal now off it’s crucial to understand the structure of what Celtic are trying to achieve. While many want to point to who Dylan supports away from St Mirren, The Scottish Champions have to make the prospect of playing in our youth system much more appealing.
There has been many critics of the Lowland League however, the Hoops finished third place last season showing that it was no easy gig.
If you are already a player that has made appearances for your club in the premiership then offering football four tiers below may not be considered the most ambitious of moves.
It’s difficult to say how that changes for Celtic with a hybrid type approach possibly suiting the club best with some players heading out on loan to develop further.
Adam Montgomery looks like a promising talent with the 20-year old having made 18 appearances for the Celtic first team last season.
He’s made the move to St Johnstone on loan which looks like a good switch for the youngster that many would prefer to see him take rather than play with the B team.
However, it is imperative that Celtic can create a clear pathway for players that shows that they can develop and be tested playing in the Lowland League which will give them the opportunity to break into the first team squad.
