Dumbarton did not settle for the first goalkeeper they could find this summer. Frank McKeown waited to bring Aidan Rice back because the Celtic youngster had already proved what he could give him.
Rice’s first spell at The Rock was his first regular run in SPFL football. He made nine appearances, lost only twice and was named Dumbarton’s April Player of the Month.
Those performances left McKeown in no doubt about who he wanted for the new campaign. Dumbarton have now handed Rice the number one shirt after finally completing his return.
What’s the point of Celtic’s Academy?
Should Celtic just give it up as the club seem incapable of making the Academy work.
Frank McKeown calls Celtic goalkeeper a ‘real coup’
McKeown said Rice’s displays showed exactly why he is so highly rated at Celtic. The Dumbarton boss said, “It’s no secret that we wanted to bring Aidan back to the club this summer and we’ve been patient because it was important we got the right player.
“He was a huge player for us last season in what was his first spell of regular SPFL football, and his performances showed exactly why he is so highly rated by Celtic.
“Aidan has a calmness and composure that brings confidence to the whole team and as we saw throughout last season, he’s capable of producing some truly outstanding saves when it matters most.
“Bringing him back is a real coup for the club.”
Rice produced a superb double save against Stranraer and then helped Dumbarton secure their League Two status against Stirling Albion.
Aidan Rice’s Celtic contract backs up Dumbarton verdict
Celtic had already rewarded Rice for what he produced during his first Dumbarton spell. The 20-year-old signed a new two-year contract in May after impressing during his first senior loan.
Rice will now return to a club where McKeown has already made him his first-choice goalkeeper. Rice knows the manager, has the number one shirt and should play regularly.
Rice has already made his first senior appearance of the season in Dumbarton’s 4-1 Premier Sports Cup defeat to Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline.
McKeown did not wait all summer for a squad filler. He waited for a goalkeeper he believes can win Dumbarton points, Rice now has the chance to prove McKeown’s faith in him was justified.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
