"We're lucky to have him"; Manager hails Celtic youngster out on loan after 'world class' goal

By John McGinley

April 2, 2022

Ayr United manager Lee Bullen has hailed the impact of Kerr McInroy since the Celtic youngster joined the Scottish Championship club.

McInroy spent the first half of the season in Scottish League One with Airdrieonians but returned to the Bhoys in January before being sent to Somerset Park.

He’s been a regular in midfield since the start of February, becoming a key part of their bid to avoid relegation.

His stoppage-time strike on Friday night, described by the BBC as a ‘wonder goal’, rescued a 1-1 point at home to Hamilton Academical.

After the match, Ayr boss paid tribute to the Celtic prospect, telling The Daily Record: “Kerr is a great talent who has that kind of strike in his locker and we’re lucky to have him here.

“He’s a wonderful player and it’s not just his ability that adds to the squad, it’s what he brings as a personality to the group. It was a fantastic goal and I thought that, over the piece, it was the minimum we deserved from the game.

“The bravery we showed to keep going and get the point at the end was superb. The balls the lads are showing at the moment is exactly what we need ahead of a big four games. As a group, we are showing a belief at the moment and that’s what is pleasing me most.”

Meanwhile, Accies coach John Rankin, who was taking charge of his team due to Stuart Taylor’s absence had high praise for the equalising effort, telling the paper: “Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say you’ve lost points to a world class strike.”

McInroy’s future at Celtic remains uncertain with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Now 21, you’d imagine he’d have made a breakthrough into the first team by now if he was part of the manager’s plans.

However, he’s had a good season and done his chances of an extension no harm at all. At the very least, he’s demonstrated to other teams in Scotland – potentially even the Premiership – that he is capable of performing consistently.

Next season could be his biggest yet, at Celtic or away from the club.

In other news, Owen Moffat stunner inspires Saturday Celtic win; Johnny Kenny also on target.