Daniel Kelly is the latest Academy prospect that Celtic are battling to hold on to.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has been catching the eye at International tournaments over the last couple of years with the Glasgow Times reporting on the inevitable interest from down south.
Celtic fear losing yet another of their talented teens – with Manchester United and Leicester City among those monitoring academy starlet Daniel Kelly.
The youngster, 15, has impressed a plethora of scouts from down south and further afield having starred for the Hoops’ under 15s, 16s and even 18s. Kelly also showcased his talents in the Sheffield Trophy where a young Celts outfit finished runners up in the prestigious tournament to MLS side Seattle Sounders.
Herald and Times Sport now understands Celtic are desperate to keep hold of the player and have offered him terms on his first pre-professional contract, but big-hitters Manchester United have had him watched.
Daniel out working hard on his programme and ensuring he recovers when required. Mindset and desire is outstanding. ????? pic.twitter.com/hnGIvJMYmn
— Craig Kelly (@CraigPeachy076) March 27, 2020
2 years ago today. Superb weekend. Finished 3rd behind Barcelona and Juventus. pic.twitter.com/Gtl4aMOn04
— Craig Kelly (@CraigPeachy076) April 7, 2020
Goal vs PSV Eindhoven pic.twitter.com/SKELACBKju
— Craig Kelly (@CraigPeachy076) April 7, 2020
With Liam Morrison joining Bayern Munich last summer and Barry Hepburn also a target of the German club Celtic face increased competition to convince Academy kids to turn professional at the club.
While there are clearly great financial incentives to move elsewhere Celtic are suffering from the lack of structure in the Scottish game.
From u-16 the next step is u-18 with nothing in place before the first team. This season the ‘reserve’ squad has had a couple of Glasgow Cup matches and five games in the Reserve Cup.
In England the development path has leagues at u-17, u-19 and u-23 level with a vast network of full time clubs to send players on loan to.
During the current season Celtic players have been out on loan at East Fife and Stenhousemuir which is unlikely to accelerate their development although Ross Doohan and Stephen Welsh have had valuable game time in the Championship with Ayr United and Morton.
