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)
East Kilbride have announced a Co-Operation Agreement with Celtic.
Liam Kennedy and goalkeeper Marcus Gill will join Rhys Dargie at the League One side.
Celtic can recall the players as required.
On Wednesday night Kennedy captained the Celtic B team to a 4-3 win against Stranraer in the KDM Trophy. Celtic’s next match in that competition is away to East Kilbride on September 22.
Kennedy and Rice will now have the chance to play in League One rather in the Lowland League South.
Rhys Dargie moved to East Kilbride on August 21 but returned to play for Celtic B in their win over Stranraer.
Last season East Kilbride won League Two at the first attempt after coming up from the Lowland League.
Five matches into the season East Kilbride are in fourth place with seven points.
But after losing back to back against Montrose and Ross County it seems that Mick Kennedy and Simon Ferry feel that they need reinstatements.
East Kilbride Football Club can today confirm a Co-operation Agreement with Scottish Premiership side, Celtic.
As part of this agreement, the previously announced, Rhys Dargie, alongside goalkeeper, Marcus Gill & midfielder, Liam Kennedy have joined the club.#WelcomeToEK pic.twitter.com/kLqQi5yMiX
— East Kilbride FC (@officialEKFC) September 3, 2026
At the age of 17 it seems that Celtic are fast-tracking Kennedy.
Last season he played in 10 matches in the Lowland League.
Rather than repeat that he is being pushed up two levels and getting outside of the Academy environment to test himself.
CELTIC TURN TO LOWER LEAGUES TO DEVELOP PLAYERS
With East Kilbride ambitious for back-to-back promotions there will be no soft settling in for the young Celts.
Last season Celtic had a Co-Operation Agreement with Ayr United that gave Jude Bonnar and Kyle Ure playing time.
Neither seems to have advanced their careers with Bonnar on loan at Arbroath this season with Ure at Crew Alexandria.
Earlier this season Dumbarton announced a Co Operation Deal with Celtic. Aidan Rice and Owen Hartington have been playing regularly for the League Two side.
Elsewhere young winger Thomas Hatton is on loan at Ayr United in the Championship.
