Championship club welcome Celtic loan winger

The winger caught the eye in Celtic’s pre-season friendlies but hasn’t been included in the competitive matches played.

A right-footed winger who prefers to play on the left Hatton now has the opportunity to accelerate his development with the Championship club.

Ayr have taken four points from two matches in the Championship and impressed in the League Cup on Friday, twice leading Kilmarnock before being knocked out.

Gary Naysmith took over as manager of Ayr United during the summer and will be expected to be in the Play Off places.

Over the last few seasons Ayr have invested heavily in a new stand at Somerset Park and a purpose built training ground.

On Saturday they are away to Raith Rovers looking to build on taking four points from their first two Championship matches.

Hatton turned 20 at the start of August and will be anxious to make up for lost time.

According to Transfermarkt he only started 10 Lowland League matches last season, Contributing an impressive five goals and two assists.

In season 24/25 he started nine Lowland League matches, scoring three goals.

LIFE AFTER CELTIC

Going out on loan to Ayr gives him the platform to play regular first team football at a high level. Certainly higher than Lowland League West.

Ideally he would have been in at the start of the League Cup campaign a month ago but with two weeks left in the transfer window Naysmith is clearly looking for reinforcements.

At the age of 20 this season will be make or break for Hatton’s Celtic hopes.

Ben Doak made two first team appearances and moved to Liverpool four years younger.

Regular impressive performances for Ayr will push his Celtic prospects, or provide him with an opportunity to move on elsewhere for regular first team action.