James Keatings has joined Hamilton Accies on a season long loan.
The striker was barely given a look-in while on loan at St Johnstone in the second half of last season but is likely to make his mark with Billy Reid’s side.
Keatings was a prolific scorer for the Celtic u-19 side two seasons ago opening his campaign with five goals in 62 minutes against Hamilton Accies.
He was on the bench for the first team last week at Ross County but after over a year without much game time a season in the First Division will hopefully bring back his sharpness.
After his five goal haul against Hamilton youth coach Stevie Frail said: “James did very well for us last season and is deservedly training with the reserve and first team squad at Lennoxtown.
“He’s came down to the 19s today, worked really hard and took his chances well. Last season he was played more as a wide player but he showed his eye for goal today.
“He took his goals well and coming off the pitch he said that he felt he could have scored more.
“Sometimes players suffer for being versatile but James can play in several positions and that’s what you are looking for.”
Keatings came on as a second half substitute yesterday as Hamilton lost 1-0 at Cowdenbeath and will be hoping to make his debut in Tuesday’s League Cup tie against Partick Thistle.
Lewis Toshney was the first player to go out on loan this season when he returned to his hometown to join Dundee but after appearing as a 47th minute substitute he had to be substituted after picking up an 85th minute injury.
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Hope he gets the chance to show what he can do, I am sure he will grab it with both hands. Just needs a few games to regain match sharpness but will prove a real handful for defenders.
Never seen the bhoy myself but know a few guys who have and they think he’s a lot better than tony watt and thought he would have been given a chance but can’t be a bad think having two young hungry goalscores at the club. hail hail
I don’t understand why he is not being used in the same manner as Tony Watt. Surely Celtic should be taking advantage of the advantageous situation created by the death of Rangers to bring young players into the team quicker than usual. Even if he played in half the games this season it would be better than sending him out on loan.
totally agree ,dont make sense to me,get him used to playing with 1st team players.
Prediction: if young James steers clear of injury he will finish the season as leading scorer in SFL 1!
So there! You heard it here first!
HH!!
on closer inspection of the picture above I reckon anyone that drools on thier top should get the boot especially at his age! I gave allowances for big bobo in his early days at the club but that was due to my opinion of him drooling being like a wild beast of a defender that just gnawed the lock of his cage 5 mins before kick off!! On a more serious note… good luck to the bhoy!