Scottish League Two winners Queen’s Park have released a statement thanking Celtic trio Luca Connell, Brody Paterson, and Ryan Mullen for their efforts in helping them achieve promotion.
Celtic have also been thanked by the club for allowing all three to join the new League One club. Connell and Mullen signed for the Spiders back in March. Paterson, meanwhile, signed back in October during the summer transfer window.
All three have had varying degrees of individual success. In what was a truncated season for Scotland’s lower leagues, Paterson managed to bag 15 appearances [Transfermarkt]. Mullen, meanwhile, would only make one appearance for the club against Stranraer.
Connell was undoubtedly the biggest influence for Queen’s in the final few months of the season, however. He managed 11 appearances within those three months, and leaves with three goals and five assists. That’s eight direct goal contributions in 11 games [Transfermarkt].
But all three have been acknowledged by Queen’s today as the trio made their returns to Lennoxtown.
Queen’s Park spells led to varying individual success – so what now for Celtic trio?
Mullen, if we’re being honest, will be the most disappointed out of the three. Celtic have no reason to throw him into a higher level of action just yet after failing to bag regular minutes at League Two level. It would be wise for Celtic to send him back there next season if possible and see how he copes.
Paterson, meanwhile, will have his sights on something bigger. At 20 years of age, he’ll want to start making his way up the footballing ladder. Sending him back to Queen’s if they’re interested perhaps wouldn’t be the worst idea. It would give him a chance to show if he’s a cut above a higher division whilst continuing his senior development.
Connell was undoubtedly the start of the show for Queen’s Park. He’s clearly better than anything League Two was able to offer, but that wasn’t surprising either. he was playing regularly with Bolton in the English Championship two years ago. It’s no wonder supporters were concerned about him suddenly playing in the bottom tier of the SPFL.
Celtic need to get serious with Connell next season. At the very least, it would be wise for the Hoops to send him back out to either a Scottish Championship or even Premiership side if they can. Many Celtic youngsters have struggled to make a serious impact in Scotland’s second-tier in recent years. It would be intriguing to see if Connell can buck that trend.
Or, perhaps he could even be given a shot by the new manager. Connell will be one of the players eyeing up that vacant midfield spot at Celtic left by Scott Brown. Whilst Ismaila Soro looks best-placed to replace Brown on the pitch, a squad gap has opened up at least.
Regardless, well done to all three on promotion. Now, it’s all about finding the next step in their careers over the summer.
In other news, Josh Doig has opened up on speculation linking him with Celtic as he sent an emphatic message.
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