Celtic forward scores winner on first start for loan club

By John McGinley

February 19, 2022

Celtic forward Jonathan Afolabi scored on his first start for Airdrieonians in a 1-0 win away to Peterhead in Scottish League One today.

The 22-year-old made a switch to the club earlier this month and had previously come off the bench in a 4-1 win at home to Montrose.

Today he was on hand to score from a Rhys McCabe pass to open his account under manager Ian Murray.

Murray talked up the loan link with Celtic this season yesterday having brought Kerr McInroy to the club earlier in the campaign and also moved for Brody Paterson, who played in today’s victory.

He said: “It’s one of those things in football where it seems to be a good fit for both clubs at the moment. We really trust their judgement of young players, they seem to trust our management of young players.”

These Celtic youngsters are getting the chance to play regular football for a team pushing for promotion, above the Scottish Lowland Football League level of the Celtic B side.

Afolabi has had difficult spells out on loan prior to this move but can hopefully now push on to show he can score on a regular basis.

Given his age, it feels unlikely he’ll ever make a breakthrough into the Celtic first team but his performances elsewhere may convince another club to give him a chance in the Premiership.

The former Ireland youth international’s contract at the Bhoys expires next year. Good luck to him for the rest of the season!

In other news, Celtic youngster bags assist on loan at Aberdeen in Jim Goodwin’s first game.