With another international break coming up and the usual questions being asked around just where Scotland are getting new players for key positions from, Ricky makes his blogging debut here to look at the issues surrounding the youth academies in Scotland from the Celtic perspective…
Every young footballer who joins Celtic’s academy dreams of pulling on the famous green and white hoops at Paradise. But for most, that dream ends quietly—long before they ever hear the roar of the crowd. Over the past decade, Celtic have taken on hundreds of youth players, yet only a tiny fraction make it to the first team.
High Intake, Low Output
Celtic’s youth setup is prolific in recruitment, but the conversion rate to senior football is strikingly low:
– Only a handful of players—Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston—have become first-team regulars in the last 10 years
– Dozens of others have been released or sold for nominal fees before age 21
– Many end up in the Scottish Championship, League One, or abroad in minor leagues
Despite strong performances from the B Team and U18 squads in youth competitions, the pathway to the senior squad remains narrow and unforgiving.
Promise, Plateau, Exit
The pattern is familiar:
1. Early promise – Players shine in youth tournaments and earn international youth caps
2. Limited exposure – Few get meaningful minutes with the first team
3. Quiet exit – Released or sold for little, often without fanfare
Talent Lost in Transition
Karamoko Dembélé
Debuted at 16 and became a viral sensation. Despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled for consistent minutes and left for Brest on a free in 2022.
Liam Morrison
Left Celtic in 2019 for Bayern Munich’s youth setup. Never played a senior game for Celtic, raising questions about talent retention.
Barry Coffey
Joined with high expectations, but after loans to Cliftonville and Cork City, was released in 2022. Now plays for Galway United.
Mitchell Frame
A standout left-back who debuted in the Champions League vs. Feyenoord and scored in the Scottish Youth Cup final. Despite early promise, he was transferred to Aberdeen in 2025—another example of talent slipping away before being fully integrated.
Stephen Welsh
A long-serving centre-back with over 50 senior appearances and goals in European competition. Yet despite his experience, he’s been persistently linked with moves away—Udinese, Toulouse, and eventually a loan to KV Mechelen—suggesting Celtic never fully committed to his development.
Ben Gannon Doak
Exploded onto the scene with fearless performances and electric pace, earning rave reviews and a senior debut at just 16. Yet within months, he was sold to Liverpool for a modest fee—another case of a precocious talent slipping away before Celtic could truly benefit.
Released at the End of 2024/25 Season
The following players were released at the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, marking the end of their Celtic journeys:
– Bruno Davidson – Winger with flashes of promise but limited senior exposure
– Ben Quinn – Midfielder who captained youth sides but never broke into the first team
– Joe Morrison – Goalkeeper who featured regularly for the B Team
– Daniel Kelly – Highly rated in youth circles but struggled with injuries
– Josh Dede – Defender with strong physical attributes, now seeking opportunities elsewhere
Their exits reflect the ongoing churn within the academy—where even talented prospects often find the pathway blocked or unclear.
What Needs to Change?
Is Celtic’s youth system broken—or just misaligned with modern football?
– Should the club adopt a loan-to-develop model like Chelsea or Red Bull Salzburg
– Is the first team too focused on short-term success to nurture young talent
– Could better integration and mentoring improve outcomes
Who’s Rising in 2025?
Despite the challenges, several academy talents are making waves:
– Sean McArdle – Midfielder, 17. Debuted vs. Hibs in May 2025. Praised for his “football brain”
– Kyle Ure – Captained U18s to Youth Cup glory. Signed through 2027
– Francis Turley – Forward with flair. Featured in UEFA Youth League
– Jude Bonnar – Defender, loaned to Ayr United. Strong and versatile
– Callum Osmand – Forward signed from Fulham. Scored twice in 12 minutes for Celtic B
– Colby Donovan – Right-back, debuted vs. Livingston. Scotland U21 international with consistent B Team and European youth performances
– Dane Murray – Centre-back who overcame two cruciate injuries. Scored in the Premier Sports Cup and signed a new deal through 2028
Time for a Rethink
The Celtic academy should be a launchpad, not a revolving door. If the club wants to build sustainably and reconnect with its roots, it must ask hard questions about its youth strategy. Otherwise, the next generation of talent will keep slipping through the cracks—while fans are left wondering what might have been.
Hundreds of kids dream of playing for Celtic. Most never make it past the training ground. So what’s the point of the youth system?
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