Celtic have dominated Scottish football for a very long time now.
But during that period, you have to question if Celtic are doing enough to promote or use their academy players, because where are the next breakout stars?
Callum McGregor is a prime example of the success of Celtic’s youth, but many do worry about what happens when he can no longer operate to his usual high standards.
Scott Brown has two Celtic academy stars with him at Ayr United – Kyle Ure and Jude Bonnar – who could, one day, be the stars and the future for the champions of Scotland.
Who will be the next Celtic youngster to break into the first-team?
Scott Brown on Kyle Ure being a ‘mini Callum McGregor’
Ayr are pushing for promotion to the Premiership under Brown, and their best hope is via the play-off places.
Ure is a regular in the middle of the park, and Brown was waxing lyrical about what he brings to the table for his side.
Speaking on The Breakdown, Brown compared Ure to McGregor, including what Celtic look for when he wants to bring one of the club’s academy players to his team.
“It’s about style of play,” said Brown about what Celtic ask for when he wants to loan an academy player. “Aye (all about style). So showing video footage of how we build up. How we play. What we try to do.
“We try to use some of what we did at Fleetwood. How we sold the younger players on. What we did with them.
“He (Ure) went over with Scotland’s U21s and ruptured his hamstring. Very good. Honestly, mini Callum McGregor.
“Very, very robust. Gets after people. Wants the ball. Lovely left foot. He’s a very, very intelligent footballer. Aye, (he plays maturely).
“So, if you change shape, with what Cal (McGregor) does. Cal will fall in. Push KT (Kieran Tierney) out and fall into a back four. He’ll jump in. He’ll know when to go and jump out wide as well. Kyle is the exact same.
“Kyle is at the top of everything. Stats-wise. Aye, so good. Even small details. See if you are doing fast feet in warm-ups and that. Everything is done properly. It’s intense. The first thing a manager and coach see.”
What should be done to stop so many Celtic youngsters leaving?
And don’t forget Jude Bonnar…
Bonnar made his Celtic debut against Aberdeen last season, and he has already had a taste of the big time.
He is another midfielder progressing his game at Ayr and under Brown’s guidance, as Celtic’s legendary captain also lauded Bonnar’s talents.
“We have got Jude Bonnar as well,” added Brown. “Jude has got a lovely left foot. He’s a lot taller than I thought he was. It’s great to have that. It gives them an opportunity.
“They have done really, really well for us. They improve us. They set standards every day.”
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