Celtic have had their challenges in the field of nurturing homegrown talent over the years, whether that be directly from Lennoxtown or buying from other clubs.
Expectations are high at Parkhead, and sometimes, it can be difficult to strike a balance between winning every week and giving appropriate minutes to young stars.
In 2024, we are also able to scour the world far and wide due to the increased connectivity and scouting resources available in the modern day, providing a far broader scope of talent to choose from rather than having to cherry-pick from our doorstep.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean to say we should neglect our own market if the right individual comes along, especially if they are Scottish, which goes a long way to satisfying our squad quotas for European competitions.
Per UEFA regulations (List A), the Bhoys must have at least four club-trained players (those who have trained for at least three years at Celtic as a youngster). Examples that spring to mind in this instance are Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston, and Stephen Welsh.
Beyond that, Celtic are also allowed a maximum of four association-trained players (three years minimum in another Scottish club’s youth system). Think Greg Taylor, Scott Bain or our forgotten man James McCarthy.
Once the summer rolls around, Brendan Rodgers may decide to shuffle his squad, and the likes of Bain, McCarthy or even Forrest could well leave if clubs were to follow up on their January interest.
This would potentially leave one or two of these slots available, and one man who plying his trade in the SPFL should at least be under consideration from Celtic chiefs.
David Watson could provide an injection of energy for Celtic
Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson has shown himself as one of the brightest emerging stars in Scottish football this term, registering five goals and three assists in 37 appearances for his club across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
At just 19, the Prestwick-born man has a wealth of senior experience. He was labelled “terrific” by Derek McInnes following a stunning last-gasp volley for the Ayrshire side in a 1-0 triumph away to Aberdeen in December 2023.
Per Fotmob, the Scotland Under-19 international has shown his capacity to provide a distinctive goalscoring threat from the engine room, racking up 23 shots on goal this term in the Scottish Premiership, seven of which have been on target.
From a creative standpoint, Watson has fashioned 24 opportunities for his teammates, which is a marker of his ingenuity in the middle of the park.
Delving into his defensive statistics, there is also plenty to be positive about. Watson has won an average of 1.4 challenges this term, coupled with 3.4 ball recoveries per match [Sofascore].
Despite not being the tallest of central midfielders, he has also won around 1.7 aerial duels over the course of each league fixture [WhoScored].
Given his age, Watson’s best years are ahead of him, and he retains a unique blend of qualities that could be honed further under the stewardship of Rodgers, who has a track record of developing young talent.
Celtic’s midfield uncertainty has already been highlighted
Celtic have some uncertainty surrounding the future of our midfield, and there could be changes in the engine room this summer.
Danish playmaker Matt O’Riley attracted heavy interest from Atletico Madrid in January. He will likely continue to court suitors, especially if he earns a spot on the plane with Denmark at EURO 2024.
There has been no clarity regarding the future of on-loan midfielder Paulo Bernardo, who is mooted to have a buyout clause present in his loan agreement worth £6.4 million.
The Portugal Under-21 international has enjoyed an up-and-down campaign, and it is unclear whether Celtic would be willing to shell out a significant fee despite suggestions that a permanent move may be in the works.
Nobody is suggesting Watson should be a like-for-like replacement for either player if they depart Parkhead, though his emergence onto the scene should have at least given Celtic something to think about as they plan for the long-term future.
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