Celtic Youth

Watch: Brilliant footage of new Celtic signing produce unique moment of magic for old youth side

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On Thursday afternoon, Celtic announced their latest summer signing, with talented young goalkeeper Josh Clarke agreeing a two-year deal at Parkhead.

At just 18 years of age, Clarke has already produced quite an impressive CV, having been part of the Chelsea and Bournemouth academies.

Furthermore, the shot-stopper has picked up some experience as a first-team goalkeeper after spending the latest few months in Northern Ireland at Glenavon.

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa - Premier League
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It isn’t just at club level Clarke has impressed either, featuring for Sweden, England and the Republic of Ireland at youth international level before recently being called up to the senior squad for Northern Ireland.

So, there appears to be a lot to get excited about, with the youngster possessing great potential and getting set to battle it out for a place in between the sticks for the Celtic B side this campaign.

Of course, with any new signing a club makes, supporters are quick to try and find out as much as possible about their latest recruit.

At times, fans may even look out for video compilations of a player’s skillset, which in a goalkeeper’s case would usually be his best saves.

However, for Josh Clarke, there is one very unique moment during his youth career which stands out.

That moment was his brilliant goal for Bournemouth under-18s in a 1-1 draw against Milwall when he was used as a makeshift striker.

After playing in his usual position for the first hour of the game and keeping a clean sheet, Clarke was then replaced by another youth keeper at the club.

However, just 15 minutes later, the former Chelsea youngster was reintroduced to the game. But this time, playing as a striker due to an injury to one of his teammates.

Not many would have expected Clarke to make much of an impact playing out of position. But, he did exactly that, with his late strike helping Bournemouth maintain a two-year unbeaten run at home.

Clarke produced a fantastic touch and composed finish, especially when you consider he is regularly used to saving those types of opportunities rather than scoring them.

As much as he might have enjoyed the moment, I am sure he would rather be spending his appearances for the Celtic B side as number one between the sticks.

However, it will be nice for coaches Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus to know they have an emergency option to call upon if needed in the fifth tier of Scottish Football. But, I am doubtful it will come to that.

In other news, Former Celtic striker calls for Ange Postecoglou to unleash exciting attacking duo.