Scott Allan's Celtic game-time promise is now surely dead

By David Walton

May 16, 2019

Scott Allan’s promise of more game-time is now surely dead in the water as we reach trophy day.

It was one of the first things Neil Lennon said when coming in as boss. He wanted to give Hibernian-bound Allan some minutes on the pitch before he departed Parkhead.

Earlier this year, Allan sealed a pre-contract move to Easter Road in the summer. It came after a highly-successful period in Leith during the second-half of last season. He was also signed up whilst Lennon was still at Hibs too.

Scott Allan flourished at Hibernian last season (Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Lennon stated in the Evening Times that it would be his wish to get Allan on the pitch before the end of the season. But is there really any chance of that happening at this stage?

Celtic only have two more games before they complete their card for the season. Trophy day this Sunday at Parkhead against Hearts is followed by the Scottish Cup final. In what way does Allan really get a shot at featuring in either?

Trophy day would obviously be the standout. But even if Lennon does decide to select the man he signed for Hibs, it would be a slap in the face to the youngsters at the club.

The youngsters need it more

Surely any such opportunity going in the side would have to go to the likes of Armstrong Oko-Flex, Kerr McInroy, or Wallace Duffy to name a few. It’s more essential for the club that these young talents get game-time over a departing Allan.

Armstrong Oko-Flex has impressed at reserve-team level this season (Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Lennon hasn’t ever spoken again about Allan’s future. He’s given no indication when or even if he’ll play between now and the end of the season. But it now finally looks as though that idea will have to be put to bed.

Allan hasn’t featured a single time for Celtic this season. He’s almost been left to rot in the development squad, where he hasn’t even featured in the majority of matches at reserve level.

Allan hasn’t featured for Celtic since May 2016 (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

His departure from Parkhead won’t be mourned over. But at the same time, everyone will wish him all the best for his new adventure in Edinburgh.

But it certainly shouldn’t come with one final appearance for the Hoops. At this stage, it barely looks likely anyway.