Celtic look like they have adopted a change in tact regarding their approach to youth development since Brendan Rodgers arrived at Parkhead.
One man symbolic of this shift is midfielder Daniel Kelly, who made his fifth senior appearance for the Bhoys yesterday off the bench in their 3-1 victory over St Johnstone, per Transfermarkt.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers, who praised his ability to handle the increased responsibility on his shoulders in his pre-match press conference ahead of defeating Craig Levein’s outfit.
He stated: “I have been very impressed (with Kelly). It is one of my key tasks here to try and provide a pathway for our young talent and young players to come through into the first team.
“His attitude, his commitment and the qualities that he has – I think he has a very, very bright future. I’ve been really pleased for him.”
Talks over a four-year contract extension for Kelly are believed to be at an advanced stage between both parties, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have shown interest in the prodigious talent; however, we should hopefully receive confirmation shortly amid speculation over his future.
His finest moment in green and white arrived when he scored the seventh goal in our rout of Dundee last month, though it is also telling that Kelly has been given minutes in times of struggle, including our 2-0 defeat to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle, which could signify that he is set to become a mainstay.
Daniel Kelly opens up on his ambitions at Celtic
Kelly is living the dream and is one of the lucky ones to have all of his hard work and dedication over the years rewarded by making an eventual first-team breakthrough.
From the outset, you can see the Scotland Under-19 international is as humble as they come; nevertheless, he is also an ambitious character who is determined to succeed at the top level.
Speaking to official club channels, Kelly has shed light on some of his ambitions at Celtic while delivering an intriguing behind-the-scenes view of his life at Parkhead when coming through the youth ranks.
He stated when asked about his rise to the senior squad [Celtic FC YouTube]: “It’s been brilliant; obviously, it’s great to be up there getting opportunities; working with that group of boys in that environment every day is excellent, and it helps me, it’s beneficial for me, and it’ll help me in the long run, but it’s been brilliant.”
Kelly later added when discussing his journey: “I’ve come through as a young kid, through the academy and went through the school programme and stuff. You just enjoy your football as much as you can when you’re younger.
“Through the school programme, I was also a ball boy, so it’s brilliant just watching these players week in and week out. It’s a dream to make your debut, and I’ve done that, thankfully. Now it’s just time to keep going and get as many appearances as I can.”
Celtic fans will be encouraged by homegrown talent Kelly
Despite our success in the transfer market with young players over the years, it is nice to know that the future from within is looking bright, and Kelly appears to be a real bright spark from initial viewing.
Celtic and talented Scottish midfielders seem to be a match made in heaven. Club captain Callum McGregor came from a similar background, which surely must offer the Lennoxtown graduate all the encouragement in the world to become a Parkhead success story.
Of course, Rodgers won’t want to rush his development; however, Kelly seems to be learning in every passing minute, something that can only bode well for the future.
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