One of the most interesting aspects of Celtic’s transfer window business has been the influx of young players who have signed up for the Hoops on long-term contracts.
The likes of Lee O’Connor, Jeremie Frimpong, Luca Connell and Jonathan Afolabi have all signed up for the Hoops, are all either 18 or 19, and have been signed with the future in mind.
Hopefully in time these players will form the bedrock of the Celtic side that will take the club into the future. However, that does not mean that they won’t feature for the Hoops at some stage this season.
Cup tie could provide chance for new Bhoys
There is a game coming up that seems like ideal opportunity for some recent signings to be in the squad at the very least.
The game is Celtic’s upcoming Glasgow derby on the 25th of September – against Partick Thistle at home in the Betfred Cup. The match is sandwiched between a host of league games and Europa League fixtures.
Therefore, you would expect Neil Lennon to make a host of changes to his team for that fixture. That could mean at least a place on the bench for some new Bhoys.
A good test against an experienced side
It will be a good test for the new signings to face a team who will be fighting for every ball. Thistle, who are struggling at the foot of the Championship, will still provide a sterner test than the Academy and reserve games the new Bhoys will play this season.
Perhaps if one of the new players does well, that can become a regular in the first-team squad. That is what has happened in recent years with the likes of Mikey Johnston and Kieran Tierney.
It could also lead to an increase in attendance too, if Neil Lennon reveals before the game that some new signings will feature.
The game isn’t really at the top of Celtic’s priorities at the moment. But if it turns out to be a Celtic debut for a future star, it could be a match that will be remembered fondly in the future.
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