Celtic’s academy players are all vying to do a Colby Donovan.
The 19-year-old right back was trusted by Brendan Rodgers to start for the first team in three consecutive away matches, including a Europa League tie away to Red Star Belgrade.
That night, Donovan earned rave reviews. Brave on the ball and physically competitive, his performance was a breath of fresh air.
This will surely lead to Donovan remaining in the first team picture, though to which extent remains to be seen. But there are plenty of other graduates on the fringes.
One of whom, who has impressed when briefly involved in the first team, has become the latest to make a loan move in search of more senior football.
Sean McArdle completes loan move away from Celtic
Sean McArdle is almost a year younger than Donovan, so not in the same stage of his development – it is rare for Rodgers to give opportunities to a player younger than 18, as he did with the midfielder.
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He was given substitute appearances in matches against Hibernian and Aberdeen towards the back end of last season, impressing with his footwork in the latter.
He will have plenty more chances to impress at Partick Thistle, where he will link up with fellow recent Hoops youth graduates Tsoanelo Letsosa, Ben McPherson and Josh Clarke, the latter of whom is still contracted to Celtic.
Thistle are of course managed by ex-Celtic defender Mark Wilson, and faced Rodgers’ men in the quarter final of this season’s Premier Sports Cup at Firhill, where the Celts won 4-0.
The Jags are flying high in the Scottish Championship where they sit second after seven matches, holding a game in hand on leaders St Johnstone.
Where are Celtic’s other young players out on loan?
Another Championship side managed by a former Celt is Ayr United, who have taken Lenny Agbaire, Kyle Ure and Jude Bonnar on loan from Parkhead this season.
Stephen Welsh isn’t exactly a young player, but still falls into the bracket of academy graduates on the fringes of the first team. He’s currently at Motherwell, playing regularly.
Adam Montgomery was in the Livingston side which almost took something against Rangers on Sunday.
Another youngster to depart the club this summer is Mitchel Frame, but his move to Aberdeen in August was a permanent one.
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