Manager reveals Celtic are ‘very keen’ on youngster who ‘got on exceptionally well’ at Nottingham Forest

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Celtic appear to be active in the transfer market before this season is even over.

Brendan Rodgers will be keen to strengthen Celtic ahead of the new season where the Hoops gaffer must negotiate a crucial Champions League qualifier.

With a number of positions that need addressing at the club, Rodgers has a bit of work to do but it seems that Celtic’s Academy is also looking to add fresh new faces to their squad ahead of next season.

B-team manager Stephen McManus will be keen to ensure his youngsters bounce back from their disappointing Glasgow Cup final defeat to Rangers and it seems one youngster is already at Lennoxtown trying to impress the former Celtic defender.

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Celtic ‘very keen’ on Finn Harps talent Gavin McAteer

Celtic have taken young Finn Harps teenager Gavin McAteer on trial. The 16-year-old will be at Lennoxtown for four days as he aims to earn a move to the Scottish champions.

Speaking about the trial, his manager Kevin McHugh told Donegal Live, “Gavin was at Forest and got on exceptionally well and Celtic now are very keen to throw their hat in the ring.

“He has gone for four days. He’ll be back in Donegal ahead of our training on Thursday night for the Athlone game on Friday.

“The signs so far have been good. He’s getting on very well.”

If the trial is successful, it is likely that McAteer will join the Celtic B team to continue his development with the young team.

Who is Gavin McAteer and why are Celtic so keen?

McAteer is just 16 years old but has been with Finn Harps for just over six years.

With 26 appearances for Finn Harps already, McAteer signed his first professional deal at the Irish club at the beginning of this season and it left his manager at the time delighted.

McAteer has 745 first-team minutes under his belt this season already (over 1200 in total) and has even captained the League of Ireland side as well.

It’s clear Finn Harps really rate the youngster and with his trial due to end today, fans of both clubs will be wondering if a deal will be struck to bring young McAteer to Paradise.