Youth Cup winner
James Keatings has revealed that he turned down loan moves to St Johnstone and Morton to make it at Celtic.
Keatings has scored ten times in four games this season including a hat-trick for Scotland’s u-19 side against Liechtenstein.
Five months ago Keatings and James Forrest were in the Celtic side that beat Rangers 2-0 in the final of the SFA Youth Cup at Hampden.
Morton and St Johnstone both wanted to take the 18-year-old on loan during the last transfer window but watching Forrest step straight into Neil Lennon’s side has convinced the other James that he can also make the breakthrough at Celtic.
Speaking to The Sun from Estonia Keats said: “Morton came in for me as did St Johnstone but I just wanted to stay at Celtic.
“That’s where I want to make my breakthrough – I don’t want to go to a smaller team. You have to set your standards high if you want to go to the top and that is what I am doing.
“A couple of seasons ago myself and James Forrest were both out injured together and I’m delighted for him that he has made it to the first team.
“We would do a lot of strength work and I am a bit of a pest in the dressing room. I like annoying folk and I think I took James to the edge a couple of times.
Hampden hero Forrest
“I am just so happy for him making it. Neil Lennon had James last season so knew what he’s capable of.
“He wanted him to be in the first team then but Tony Mowbray didn’t give him his chance.
“When the gaffer took over, he gave him his chance and he’s taken it and proved that he can hack it at that level.”
Forrest and Keatings have been in the Celtic Academy almost all their lives as the club attempts to develop players capable of making a first team impact.
The Academy structure scouts players from around Europe but will always concentrate on developing the best young players in Scotland.
Forrest was discovered playing in Prestwick while Keatings came to the club’s attention from Wishaw alongside Kieran Brennan with fellow u-19 internationalist Callum McGregor coming Glasgow.
Keatings has been involved at Celtic for nine years and is desperate to make the final step into the first team.
He added: “I am a Celtic supporter so it has been brilliant being with them for nine seasons. I have scored a lot of goals – well over 300 – but it is frustrating with a lot of people in front of you.
“You see players of the same age at other clubs getting chances and you wonder if yours will come. I just have to keep playing well – then hopefully a chance will come my way.
“I have been training with the first team this season and it’s been a good experience.
“There’s a lot more pressure on you when you are training with them as you have to do everything right.
“It is there to be done but you need a bit of luck as well. I’ll keep going and when I get my chance, I will take it.”
James Keatings scores another hat-trick
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