With all of the talk about potential incomings and outgoings, it’s easy to forget that one of our brightest talents in Scott Robertson is now into the final 12 months of his contract.
The 20-year-old signed a new deal with the Hoops back in August 2020 after making his debut in the 2019/20 campaign. However, a first-team breakthrough has eluded him.
Not that Celtic Park has been the most stable environment for much of that contract. Not for a youngster looking to break through either. From the disaster of the 10-in-a-row campaign to the intensity of winning it back this season – there’s been minimal space for bringing youngsters in and giving them regular spots.
In the end, Scott instead spent his time building up first-team minutes during 3 different loan spells. Last season, he racked up a combined 34 appearances for League One clubs Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers respectively [Transfermarkt].
Robertson’s time with Gillingham in particular led to plenty of praise coming his way from manager Steve Evans, who believed he would go on to make an impact in the first-team this term [Kent Online].
But instead, it was another spell away from Glasgow for him as he moved to Crewe Alexandra. Scott did feature on 23 occasions this term, but he was forced to return to Parkhead as soon as March after he picked up a season-ending injury.
Scott Robertson needs a big season to kick-start Celtic career
During his time at Celtic, Scott Brown gave Robertson a glowing review. After the youngster made his debut for the Hoops against Cluj in December 2019, Brown claimed the midfielder would have more ability as a player than he ever would.
But as well thought of as he was, spaces in the Celtic midfielder have been consistently competitive.
Looking ahead to next season, we have Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, Yosuke Ideguchi, James McCarthy, and Ismaila Soro all in our ranks. Finding a spot for Robertson is going to be tough, and that likely means another loan spell could be on the agenda.
If that is indeed the case, it’s a colossal 12 months for the youngster. 12 months in which he’ll spend the entire campaign looking to show Ange Postecoglou that he’s worth tying down for the long-term.
Celtic supporters will still have hopes that Robertson can one day be a Parkhead regular. Especially given he’s already shown a fine range of passing and has a combative streak in him too. There are traits there Ange can work with, but it’s all about continuous development for him this season.
Wherever he ends up, there’s a big challenge in front of him. This year could be his biggest one yet.
In other news, Celtic defender set for 2 mouth-watering clashes with Mbappe and Benzema
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