Celtic's Manny Perez is one to watch according to US League

By Connor Gordon

February 28, 2019

Celtic January signing Manny Perez appears on United Soccer League’s ‘One to Watch’ list.

The American is currently out on loan at North Carolina FC.

He will return at the end of this season hoping to fill a potential right-back crisis with only one other available.

Perez’s appearance on the list will be a shot in the arm for his confidence.

Perez loan is right choice for him at the moment

It would have been hard for the 20-year-old to make any sort of impact this season in Glasgow.

The Hoops have Jeremy Toljan on-loan from Borussia Dortmund and Mikael Lustig as understudy.

Jeremy Toljan is Celtic’s first-choice right back but is on-loan. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

He has his eyes on a spot in the USA Under-20 World Cup which starts in May so will be able to get in the thoughts of coach Tab Ramos by remaining stateside.

USL believes Perez will be “key to his club’s chances this year” and is the only North Carolina player to appear on it.

Manny Perez will want an under-20 World Cup spot. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

The article says: “United States U-20 international Manny Perez’s return to his roots at North Carolina FC on loan from legendary Scottish club Celtic FC should provide a major boost for the club on and off the field.”

American believes Celtic can develop him

The Hoops are known the world round for its player development, having a list as long as the Parkhead pitch.

This is the reason why the young American decided to join the Scottish Premiership champions.

He said: “Obviously being with Celtic, I think it’s a club that develops and likes to play young players, I think it was just an opportunity that I couldn’t miss out on.”

American will be looking at replicating Kieran Tierney’s development. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Hoops are successfully developing Kieran Tierney, proving there are means to progress at full-back at the club.

Hopefully when Perez returns to Glasgow he will continue his development and solve a problem at the same time.

Fingers crossed he realises this opportunity and becomes the next Lustig and is a stalwart at right-back.