Away from the spotlight on Saturday one young Celt took a significant step forward in his career.
Ross Doohan was handed his Premiership debut by Stuart Kettlewell, took it in his stride as Ross County picked up a useful point in a goal-less draw at home to Hibs.
It was in keeping with the way that the 22-year-old has developed his career with the performance against Hibs coming on the back of clean sheets against the Czech Republic and San Marino on Scotland u-21 duty.
? Home Debut
? Clean sheet @rdoohan_ ? pic.twitter.com/mwmtOsVtt1— Ross County FC (@RossCounty) October 17, 2020
Getting the loan system right has been a major problem at Celtic down the years with most young players missing out on the experience needed to develop their careers towards the sharp end of first team football.
Ian McColl saw something in the teenage Doohan, taking him to Ayr United in 2018 where he made 47 appearances including all 36 Championship fixtures.
Last season he returned to Somerset Park and was again first choice keeper with the step up to the Premiership secured in the summer as soon as Vasilis Barkas joined Celtic. Doohan turned out against Celtic as a Ross County trialist before his move was formalised.
Saturday’s clean sheet should secure his place for the game at Motherwell on Saturday with the exposure of first team football and competition from Ross Laidlaw ensuring that the loan Celt’s form doesn’t dip.
