Celtic have completed the signing of Shea McGarry, with the 16-year-old now training with the club’s B team.
The centre-back, who had already been integrated into the senior team at Cliftonville, agreed his move to Glasgow last month.
A Northern Ireland youth international at under-19 level, McGarry reportedly had interest from clubs in the English Championship.
He had previously been affiliated with Celtic Boys Belfast at grassroots youth level.
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Cliftonville assistant Gerard Lyttle on Celtic signing Shea McGarry: ‘He has a massive future’
Speaking about the youngster’s move, Cliftonville assistant and ex-Celtic academy player Gerard Lyttle told the Belfast Telegraph: “We are all delighted that he has signed for Celtic.
“It’s a great environment he’s going into and it will be a fantastic education for him.
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“I think he has a massive future in the game. On top of ability, he has a bit of character. He handles situations around senior players well. He is respectful and has a great personality.
“Shea was outstanding when he made his debut, he was probably the best player on the pitch that day.
“He’s a big centre back with a lovely wand of a left foot. He reads lines, steps into the play and has been well-educated from his time in the academy.
“Working with him full-time has really helped him develop as a player to enable him to get this move.
“He has played at youth level for Northern Ireland and has made a massive jump in a year. With a supportive family behind him, he was a little bit of a late bloomer like Sean Moore (sold to West Ham).
“Shea’s progression to the first team has been swift but his performances have been brilliant.”
The centre-back is beginning life with the B team, so the wait continues for Martin O’Neill to make his first addition to the senior squad.
Should Celtic win their Champions League play-off next month, he will also be able to participate in the UEFA Youth League.
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Despite rumours of Celtic withdrawing their B team from the Lowland League, it was later confirmed that the club would continue the initiative for a sixth campaign this season.
The side will be managed permanently by Jonny Hayes after previous boss Stephen McManus’ promotion to the first-team staff was made permanent.
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