GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 11: Celtic huddle ahead of kick off during the William Hill Premiership between Celtic and St. Mirren at Celtic Park on April 11, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Owen Hartington has joined Celtic team-mate Aidan Rice on loan at Dumbarton.
The deal went through on Friday with Hartington coming off the bench yesterday as Dumbarton lost 2-0 away to Stirling Albion in League Two.
Rice finished last season on loan at Dumbarton and has played in four of their five matches this season.
So far both loans seem to be of the traditional type but if a Co-Operation Deal is formalised both players can also play for the Celtic B team.
Upto three players can go out on loan as part of a Co-Operation deal, those players can be changed during the course of the season.
Last season Celtic had a Co-Operation Deal with Ayr United but this season they have switched to Dundee United.
Celtic can set up Co-Operation deals with clubs in each of the three other SPFL divisions but with the season underway nothing has yet been formalised.
CLICK HERE for Celtic set to make new bid for Gvidas Gineitis
? A new signing the night before the new season starts.
Welcome to Dumbarton Owen Hartington. The 18-year-old midfielder joins on loan from @CelticFC and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Forthbank.
Full story ??https://t.co/cofQdzFBrt
? Celtic FC pic.twitter.com/l0qzCUCBb5
— Dumbarton FC (@Dumbartonfc) July 31, 2026
Owen is a player with a very high ceiling and is capable of having a career at the top level. He has a lot of potential and we’re delighted to have him at Dumbarton. He’s someone with a lot of technical ability, but also with the physical attributes needed to play at the highest level – and he demonstrated both with Celtic B last season.
Owen will now join us and show the same level of commitment and hunger he has for Celtic and I’m sure we will see the best of him in a Dumbarton shirt.I have been working with Chris McCart and Shaun Maloney to get this deal over the line and would like to thank everyone at Celtic who helped make it happen. We’re looking forward to working with Owen and supporting him in the next stage of his development.
With Maloney being mentioned it seems that he is still taking an involvement in the ‘pathway’ role.
The former Hibs and Wigan boss took up that role last summer but was summoned up to first team duty alongside Martin O’Neill.
CELTIC LOAN OPTIONS AND THE PATHWAY
No replacement Professional Pathways Manager has been announced. With just two young players out on loan it seems as if that route has been put on hold.
Dumbarton have struggled badly in recent seasons but experiencing that sort of situation won’t do the Celtic loan players any harm.
Getting a taste of senior football as early as possible can only assist their progress in the professional game.
While Rice and Hartinton were involved at Stirling Albion their Celtic B team-mates were involved in a1-1 draw at home to Johnstone Burgh.
After three matches in the Lowland League West Celtic B has recorded a win, a draw and a defeat.
This season Celtic B will also be involved in the SPFL Challenge Cup.
If Celtic get through their Champions League Play Off Celtic will also be involved in the UEFA Youth League for u-19 sides.
Dumbarton was a good Celtic friendly town when I was there with the ex lady…
Hopefully the tie up becomes formal…
They have a brand new pitch but it’s a plastic one sadly !