Celtic and Scott Brown could be reacquainted with each other again thanks to a special partnership rumoured to be in the works.
In recent years the Bhoys have had a partnership with Queen’s Park where they have loaned young stars to get first-team experience but that appears to be in doubt due to the Scottish Championship side’s financial difficulties.
The Herald have claimed that a deal has been struck between Celtic and Ayr United instead and that several young stars who have featured in Brendan Rodgers’ squads during pre-season will move to work under Brown and get some exposure to the senior game.
So, with that, 67 Hail Hail looks at five Celtic youngsters that could benefit from the new partnership.
Mitchell Robertson
Mitchell Robertson has been key at the heart of defence for Celtic B over the years and lifted the Scottish Youth Cup in May 2023.
Robertson is now 20 and needs to make the step up from playing in the Lowland League and test himself at the highest level.
At Ayr, he would provide healthy competition and get plenty of opportunities.
Colby Donovan
Colby Donovan has been a regular in pre-season and even scored the winner in the friendly against Cork City.
Donovan has filled in while Anthony Ralston and Alistair Johnston have been returning from international duty but once they’re both fit, he will become the third choice.
A player of his calibre shouldn’t be spending too much time among the youth ranks and has shown he is capable of stepping up to play senior football. What better way to get that exposure than working under a Celtic legend?
Kyle Ure
Last year’s academy player of the season Kyle Ure is already being tipped to be the next Callum McGregor.
The 19-year-old is one of the most technically gifted players among the younger ranks and would fit in perfectly in the heartbeat of Brown’s midfield.
Furthermore, the Ayr manager’s understanding of the position would provide Ure with a great footballing education and lots of senior football.
Jude Bonnar
Inside The Herald report they revealed that attacking midfielder Jude Bonnar will be the first one to head to Somerset Park this summer.
Bonnar had played in Celtic’s first pre-season game against Queen’s Park but hasn’t been in the squad for the other two games.
It feels like this could be the last chance for the midfielder to impress given that he is in the final year of his contract.
Francis Turley
Francis Turley is another who has managed to break into first team contention, making the odd Scottish Premiership appearance and being named in the squad too.
Turley is in a similar predicament to Ure and Bonnar as he plays in a position stacked with talent at Celtic.
After three years of academy football, Turley has finally earned the chance to play week-in-week-out.
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