Celtic set up first SPFL Co-operation Deal

Celtic have formalised their connection with Dumbarton into a Co-Operation Agreement.

Aidan Rice joined the League Two side in July in time to play in three League Cup ties.

Owen Hartington moved out on loan on August 1, starting two League Two matches with a further appearance off the bench.

Now that a Co-Operation Agreement has been completed a third Celtic player can go on loan to Dumbarton with players able to be recalled.

If Rice or Hartington are injured they can be replaced by another Celt provided he is under-21 and eligible to play for Scotland.

Dumbarton are currently bottom of League Two with three points from three matches. For a goalkeeper and midfielder playing for a club that is expected to struggle gives them great exposure and experience.

Speaking to the club website about the arrangement, Dumbarton boss Frank McKeown said:

We have been in communication with Celtic and working on the details for a number of months. I am confident that this will be a beneficial partnership for both Dumbarton and Celtic.

Both Aidan and Owen have been terrific additions to our squad and are learning every week in a competitive League Two environment.

My thanks goes to Chris McCart and everyone at Celtic, as well as those behind the scenes at Dumbarton, for their work to get the co-operation agreement in place.

We’re looking forward to working with Celtic and their young players over the course of the season and supporting them in the next stage of their development.

Tomorrow Rice and Hartington will be in action away to Kelty Hearts.

Last season Celtic set up a Co-operation Agreement with Ayr United.

Kyle Ure, Jude Bonnar and Francis Turley got some despite experience but haven’t moved any closer to becoming Celtic first team prospects.

Ironically, outside of a Co-operation Agreement Josh Clarke and Ben McPherson were regulars all season at Partick Thistle in the same division as Ayr.

Both players have left Celtic with McPherson joining Thistle and Clarke moving to Doncaster Rovers on loan from Thistle.

Earlier this week Thomas Hatton moved on loan to Ayr United. Since they already have a Co-operation Agreement with Dundee United Hatton’s deal is a standard loan.