Efe Ambrose took a secret heart-break to Slovenia after finally getting a work permit to join his Celtic team-mates.
During a training session at Lennoxtown the Nigerian defender clashed with Ross McLaughlin leaving the teenage defender lying on the ground in agony.
McLaughlin faces the nightmare of a year on the sidelines with cruciate ligament damage with no blame attached to Ambrose for a run of the mill training ground challenge.
Ambrose was devastated when he heard the extent of the injuries to the midfielder who scored nine times last season as Celtic’s u-17 side picked up the double of league title and Glasgow Cup.
McLaughlin faces the misery of a year out of the game but has been promised the full support of Ambrose as well as the best rehabilitation treatment possible.
While McLaughlin comes to terms with his injury a couple of his u-17 team-mates from last season were in action for Celtic’s development team as they drew 2-2 with Clyde at Broadwood.
Jack Aitchison started the match in attack with Michael Johnston, Broque Watson, Wallace Duffy and Lewis Bell introduced during the second half.
The 2-2 draw proved to be the perfect workout for Tommy McIntyre’s side who will face another League Two side. Annan Athletic in the first round of the Irn Bru Cup on August 2.
Annan will have enjoyed the benefit of five competitive fixtures in the BetFred League Cup while Celtic look to find their competitive edge from friendly matches at home and in Ireland.
