Celtic youngster Barry Coffey scores set-piece peach on loan

By Euan Davidson

May 5, 2021

Of all the loan moves from Celtic this season, Barry Coffey moving to Cliftonville might be the most intriguing.

For those who follow the Academy, you’ll know the name. Coffey arrived with an excellent reputation from Ireland, and is contracted until at least next summer [Celtic FC]. Impressing on loan in North Belfast, Coffey has given creative spark to the Danske Bank League’s fifth-placed side [NIFL].

Oh, and now he’s scoring absolute bangers.

As free kicks go, it might not be a cushioned Nakamura effort, but it’s a certified net buster. Admittedly, it didn’t help Cliftonville to a win over Larne [Belfast Live], but there’s only so much one player can do. A scorcher from a dead ball is never exactly a bad thing, is it?

Coffey will surely be involved in the rest of Cliftonville’s matches this season. There’s Danske Bank League play-off duty, as well as an Irish Cup game against Glentoran on Saturday. If the Irish youngster can put away more finishes like these, he’ll surely give the next Celtic boss something to think about.

Celtic youngster Barry Coffey on international duty / (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Celtic loan Bhoys making themselves known

It wasn’t just Coffey on goalscoring duty, either. Queen’s Park may already be promoted, but try telling Luca Connell there’s nothing left to play for.

Against Elgin City, Connell received the ball and almost instantly rasped a low, clinical shot past the flailing keeper. It’s Connell’s third goal for the Spiders, who have already achieved League One status for 21-22.

Along with the likes of Ewan Henderson, Kerr McInroy and Scott Robertson, Celtic are proving there’s a raft of talent coming through the Academy. Sensibly, these lads are getting first-team experience under their belts rather than purely training at Lennoxtown.

That will only serve them well, and here’s hoping that we actually get to see some of these Bhoys make a mark at Celtic Park.

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