‘We’re delighted’ – Manager breaks silence on rumours linking Celtic to youth international striker

Add as preferred source on Google

Even though Celtic is still chasing a treble, planning for next season and beyond doesn’t stop.

Celtic’s recruitment team will undoubtedly be looking for players to strengthen the Hoops’ first-team squad as well as looking to develop the B team.

Brendan Rodgers has watched a raft of youngsters leave Celtic to go and progress their careers elsewhere as well as established players like Kyogo Furuhashi make their Parkhead exit.

However, it’s a youth international youngster who seems to have caught the Celtic scouts’ eye and his current manager has spoken out about the speculation.

• READ MORE: Alex Rae’s fear of Celtic captain Callum McGregor is real with Arne Engels claim ahead of Rangers game

Celtic’s pursuit of Owen Stirton leaves Montrose manager ‘delighted’

Celtic’s interest in Owen Stirton first came to light last week after reports suggested that Brendan Rodgers was having the young Dundee United starlet scouted.

However, it’s the Montrose manager, Stuart Petrie, who has broken his silence since the rumours first came to light.

Petrie told The Courier [print edition page 53], “All Owen wants to do is be a footballer, I reckon he’ll take it all in his stride.

“It’s never easy when you are linked with big clubs but I’m sure he’ll be looked after by his family members and the coaching staff at Dundee United.

“It just shows you what people think of his talent if he’s being linked with other clubs – I’ve got no doubt he will go on to have a very successful career.

“He came here to get a platform to show what he can do on a regular Saturday basis – he’s doing great and we’re delighted with him.”

Stirton is currently on loan at Montrose where the 18-year-old striker has netted six goals in nine appearances. He has also been capped and scored at Scotland U17 level in his debut against Kazakhstan.

Owen Stirton’s goal-scoring form this season that sparked Celtic’s interest

Stirton has recently just signed a contract extension at Dundee United prior to his loan move to Montrose.

Making his debut for United in the Scottish Premiership win over Ross County, the teenage striker scored the third goal in the 3-0 win with practically the first touch of the ball.

Now at Montrose, young Stirton has six goals to his name and is clearly making waves in League One. Whether Celtic can take their interest forward or not is another matter but it is clear that he is gihly rated by Petrie and Dundee United manager, Jim Goodwin.