It was more than a little disappointing to read the comments made by Bayern youngster, and former Celtic youngster Liam Morrison.
We should preface this; absolutely no harm to the wee guy. Few in their right mind would turn down a chance to sign for Bayern Munich. It’s not that, that any reasonable Celtic fan should take issue with.
Because for a long time, he was right; there was little chance for a Celtic youngster to actually make the first-team. The few lasting examples are so few and far between. The fact that I’m thinking of Aiden McGeady in this context, who came through when Martin O’Neill was our manager, is a statement in itself.
In terms of defenders, there was Kieran Tierney. In the midfield, the examples of Callum McGregor and James Forrest are well known. Up front, Celtic haven’t produced any notable strikers in a long, long time. So, from Morrison’s point of view, the chance of playing for Bayern Munich at any level was going to be enticing.
So, this is by no means having a pop at him. But the progress of Stephen Welsh through the Celtic Academy is an encouraging sign of what could be to come. While it wasn’t his debut season, it was a breakout campaign for the Coatbridge-born defender [Transfermarkt].
And with Ange Postecoglou promising opportunities for youngsters in the future [Celtic FC], there could be more to come. But the fact is, Welsh had to wait until age 20 for his chance. And that requires examination.
Stephen Welsh proves it can be done at Celtic, but what of the 17-20 year olds?
The fact is, you can’t blame Morrison for taking his chance. At the time he left, there was an established back-line at Celtic, and it seemed difficult for him to make a mark.
How things change. Some ill-advised transfers, and a changing of the guard at Paradise, and now anything is up for grabs. Given the sheer expenditure a ‘rebuild’ requires, it’s heartening to hear Ange Postecoglou talking about chances for young players.
Stephen Welsh could come to represent a real youth movement at Celtic. Adam Montgomery, in limited minutes, has looked exactly like the roving left-back Postecoglou could be keen on. Much is made of Karamoko Dembelé’s future, while plenty of loanees who came through the Academy will be looking for opportunities. And for the first time what seems like a long time, they might actually get them.
Welsh is nowhere near the finished article. But when he became a regular fixture at Celtic, our defence improved. Alongside Kristoffer Ajer, his positioning incrementally improved, while his interception and clearance numbers were legitimately impressive [WhoScored?].
He took his chance, during a time of massive upheaval. If things improve at Celtic; big signings are made, we win games on a more regular basis, that’s when the real test of trust in youth emerges. While common sense would dictate that the rigours of European competition and domestic cups come to the fore, youngsters will get more of an opportunity. Yet, Welsh aside, that hasn’t really been the way.
More needs done to avoid further examples like Morrison
More needs to be done to bridge the gap before Celtic Academy talents turn 20. Risk be damned; young players just can’t replicate the experience of playing for the Bhoys.
Potentially excellent talents like Vincent Angelini have looked on the cusp of leaving. Armstrong Okoflex did leave, and the likes of Josh Adam and, of course, Morrison, have sought big opportunities elsewhere.
That can’t happen for Celtic to have a respectable Academy programme. Too many players are being lost between the ages of 17 and 20, whether through repeated loans and fizzling out, or simply not getting chances at any level. The hope, then, is that the B Team is here to plug the gap.
That’s a big ask. But if there was ever going to be an opportunity, then it’s coming.
At the moment, Welsh is the evidence. Here’s hoping he’s not the exception that proves the rule.
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