I spoke to Ange but Celtic signing target reveals the transfer turn off

Dylan Reid has explained that playing in the Lowland League was the factor that made him turn down a move to Celtic.

The 17-year-old has just joined Crystal Palace after making four substitute appearances this season for St Mirren.

During the summer transfer window it was reported that Celtic and St Mirren had agreed a transfer fee for Reid but the player opted to stay in Paisley with Crystal Palace stepping in and convincing the teenager to join their Development Squad.

For the second season running, but with no guarantees for next season, Celtic B/Colts are playing in the Lowland League.

While it does provide a step up for players coming out of the club Academy it is unlikely that matches against Caledonian Braves, Edinburgh University and Cumbernauld Colts will catapult anyone into Ange Postecoglou’s first team plans.

Speaking to The Sun Reid said:

I spoke to Ange Postecoglou. We had a good chat and he explained what it would be like if I went to Celtic. He said it wouldn’t be easy and I would need to work hard.

I knew that would be the case so that didn’t worry me. That’s what I want, to work hard and progress.

At Celtic I’d have been in their B-team, playing in the Lowland League and I didn’t feel that would suit me.

Working with someone like Ange was definitely a big pull. It seems every player he’s worked with is on the rise.

I’ve also heard great things about how good a coach he is. I’m sure had I gone to Celtic I’d have taken my game to another level. I didn’t think playing in the Lowland League was the best thing for me now.”

Rocco Vata and Bosun Lawal have both made brief substitute appearances this season but have four or five players ahead of them in the battle for a first team place.

Since the turn of the year Tobi Oluwayemi and Ewan Otoo have gone out on loan to Cork City and Dunfermline Athletic.