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Daily Record
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stephen McManus identifies sizzling Celtic prospect destined for the top as B team boss makes a candid admission
Big Mick is convinced the next generation of stars are ready to break through at Parkhead Every Celtic youngster dreams of following in the footsteps of poster Bhoys James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney. But Stephen McManus knows better than most that only a handful will ever make it all the way. Now B team boss, the former Hoops captain is hellbent on streamlining the route from the youth set-up to the first-team. As an academy graduate himself, Big Mick is a shining example for the current crop learning their trade at Lennoxtown. The ex-defender rose through the ranks, captained Celts to title glory and led them into the last 16 of the Champions League. These days, it's his job to nurture the next generation of stars. And while the road to Brendan Rodgers' top team is anything but straightforward, McManus insists there will always be a pathway. He said: "Yeah, listen, that's what pre-season is for as well. This is my fourth year with the B team and we've been really lucky that over the last three years, we've got boys that have played, after under-18s, they've played 150 games. "They've played 50-odd games a season, which after under-18s, you don't always get. We're lucky that we've got that. "Like I say, our job is to try and prepare the boys for first-team football. Hopefully, it's here. Absolutely. "We've been lucky this year, I think. Francis Turley made his debut this year. Jude Bonner made his debut this year. Sean McArdle came on and made his debut towards the end of the season. "And then you've got the boys that have been out on loan as well. You've got Ben Summers, Matthew Andersons as well. "So it's been a really productive season again for us. But ultimately, we want to make sure we try and do our best to help the manager and the first-team staff to be able to say, 'Right, these are what we've got. Are they ready to fit into the first-team squad?' "That's what pre-season is for. As a young player, you get an opportunity. You'll get an opportunity, whether it's in pre-season or every day that you come to work, every day that you're then performing for your club, whether you're at the football club or you're at somebody else on loan. "So it's difficult. It's difficult, of course it is. That's why the people that come through are so limited. "But when you look at the success that we've had with boys that are playing football at other clubs, it's great." With Greg Taylor vacating the No.3 jersey, there could soon be an opportunity for a homegrown talent to step up. Returning hero Tierney will reclaim his place at left-back - but his injury record means Rodgers will need to manage his minutes carefully. Rising star Matthew Anderson is among the most highly-rated emerging talents at Lennoxtown. Dubbed 'the next KT' by coach Greig Robertson, the defender spent last season on loan in Austria with feeder club Admira Wacker. Now 21, this summer could prove to be make-or-break. McManus said: "He's got a massive future in the game, absolutely massive. He's a terrific boy with a brilliant family, and again, you can only stay with us, with the B team, for a couple of seasons. "Matthew outgrew the B team two years ago. That's why he's not played for the B team. That's why the next stage of his development was to go out and loan. "Some people make their debut at 16 and then go and play for the rest of their careers. Some people are 21, 20, they need to go a different route. That's fine, that's fine. "But what you need to do is, when you get an opportunity, you need to try and become a football player, and that's what Matthew's done. "He's a terrific boy, terrific worker for a terrific family, and he'll be a top player. He'll be a top player." For aspiring players, there are few better role models than Forrest, McGregor and Tierney. Forrest recently overtook Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox to become Celtic's most decorated player, with 26 trophies to his name. Skipper McGregor - whose own breakthrough came via a loan to Notts County - is only two major honours behind. And Tierney famously banked the club a record £25million fee in 2019, only to return on a free six years later. Speaking to promote next month's friendly clash with Newcastle United at Parkhead, McManus added: "You need that here, where it's so important that people can relate. The boys that have been here, that have done it. "I've spoken about this before, but when I look back over 20-odd years, boys that have come through the football club, you want them making an impact. "Making an impact is not just playing now and again. You want to contribute. You want to play five games. You want to play 50 games. You want to play 100 games. You want to play in the first team. "You need people that have done it, basically, just to prove, listen, if they can do it, there's no reason why the other boys can't do it. "That's where Kieran falls into it, Callum falls into it, and James falls into it. It's great, but it's a hard slog. "Of course it is, but you need the right types of people that are leading the football club, and that's what we've got here at the moment."
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic fans smell Rangers fear amid transfer trepidation as takeover realisation sets in
As the signings start to happen at Celtic, the annual game of top trumps between fans starts afresh. Rangers have yet to add anyone under Russell Martin, but talks with targets are ongoing. Brendan Rodgers has reunited with Kieran Tierney and one Hotline regular is concerned Rangers fans are running scared and he can spot the telltale signs of transfer panic. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, emailed:"After years on the Hotline you learn when Rangers fans are scared and the signing of Kieran Tierney for nothing and £5.5m Jeremi Frimpong windfall has them flapping. They are starting to realise this takeover will not result in big spending until they earn it and the champions stand in the way of that with an utter mountain of cash." Kenny Wilson, Moffat, reckons warnings over Kieran Tierney's injury record is just wishful Rangers thinking. He said: "With Rangers fans slagging off Celtic for signing Tierney they're obviously hoping he is going to injured but even if he plays half a season he will be better than any defender they have. And, for the record, the accusation of being made of chocolate? I will put two names out there - Oscar Cortes and Danilo! How many minutes have they played?" However, not all are convinced by the business Celtic are doing. Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, emailed: "When you look at some of the dross Celtic are looking to sign it makes you has to be better at Lennoxtown. "They've already let Ben Doak go without even giving him a chance. Johnny Kenny looks good but no doubt they will sicken him. And, by the way, Rangers are exactly the same. They have no intention of promoting players from Murray Park. They'll just also continue signing dross." After the recent international break, there's not much to get excited about on the Scotland front and there are fears that we're being left behind this summer.. John Spence, South Ayrshire, said: "With little to focus on bar the usual point scoring this close season will be a long one. "Perhaps we should focus on why, because the fact is there there are three major tournaments going ahead this summer, the World Club Championships, European U-21's Championships and Women's European Championships, without any Scottish representation in sight. Add in the senior men's recent humiliation by Iceland and you have to conclude Scottish football is now being left behind, even by those we consider our peer group. "As usual our governing bodies adopt the 'nothing to see here' approach. For once technically they're correct, there is no football with any Scottish interest to see in the coming weeks!" Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, wants Angeball in a kilt. He emailed: "I believe Ian Maxwell inadvertently sent a warning shot across the bow on Steve Clarke that results must improve when saying he is always scanning for a future Scotland manager. I would replace him with Postecoglou in a heartbeat with the type of exiting football he would bring "And another thing I see a percentage of Spurs players saying it was wrong him being sacked but if they put as much effort in their Europa league performances into their horrendous league campaign he would still be in a job." Finally, Craig Gordon is getting his Hearts testimonial this summer, but Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, isn't having it. He said: "Craig Gordon gets a testimonial at Hearts and the fans stumping up the cash to see him play his former club Southampton (ed: It's Sunderland) in his final game for the Gorgie club end of season (ed: He's not retiring) just another pay day to boost his over the top bank balance. "If he were that great he would be retiring at a top club in England not retiring in Scotland. We should scrap testimonials they are paid enough and the fans just getting fleeced and a mask he should be pulling over not a shirt. He was a flash in the pan goalkeeper and overrated." That's Craig told.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Aberdeen ‘join race for prolific youth striker who had interest from Celtic during 51-goal season'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ABERDEEN have reportedly expressed interest in signing a prolific young striker who was on trial at Celtic this year. The Irish teenage sensation has several clubs on his trail - including Celtic and Aberdeen - after scoring 51 goals in all competitions last season. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 1 He had more than one trial at Lennoxtown Credit: The Sun Shay Reid, 16, topped the Northern Ireland U20 Premiership Development League goal-scoring charts, scoring 23 goals in 32 appearances. The Cliftonville prospect enjoyed an even more impressive campaign down an age group with the U18s too as he found the net 21 times in 25 outings. His sensational form has unsurprisingly put him on the map, with several clubs from across the UK keeping tabs on his development. Reid had two trial periods at Lennoxtown at the beginning of the year but Celtic didn't make a decision on the 16-year-old. He has plenty of options elsewhere though, should Celtic decline to make a swoop, as Premiership rivals Aberdeen are believed to be interested along with a host of other clubs. The Belfast News Letter states he has also caught the attention of EFL Championship sides Preston North End and Wrexham, the newly-promoted Welsh-based club owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Meanwhile, Aberdeen are also planning a swoop for another striker to add extra firepower to the first team for next season. Jimmy Thelin is set to lose Kevin Nisbet after his loan stint from Millwall ended, while Oday Dabbagh's future at his parent club Charleroi is currently unclear. Reports state, however, that Thelin has his eyes on another target to fill the void in attack. The Dons are reportedly interested in signing Ronan Hale from Ross County following their relegation to the Championship. He scored 18 goals for the Staggies last season but failed to prevent them from the drop. The 26-year-old still has two years left on his deal at Dingwall after only joining the club last summer but he is expected to move on in the coming weeks. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
'Grown men were in tears... that's what James Forrest means to this club,' says Celtic defender
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has predicted that James Forrest will continue to set the standard for emerging talents at Lennoxtown after his historic goal spared the champions' blushes on trophy day. Having climbed off the bench, the 33-year-old scored in the 94th minute against St Mirren to ensure he maintained the record of netting in each of his 16 seasons as a professional. Now the club's most decorated player with 26 honours, he's played his way into contention to start the Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen after a cameo role which will go down in Celtic folklore. Team-mate Johnston feels Forrest — who still has another year to run on his contract — remains a shining example to all young players of the dedication that's required to carve out a successful career at the club. 'James is not here as a token player just because of the status he has,' said the Canadian. 'He still provides something to this team and gives us such a different profile on the wing. 'We have a lot of young players in that position who are direct but maybe lack consistency, which is what happens at that age at a big club. 'But James shows them how to last at a place like Celtic. 'It's about consistency and he takes the ball, protects it and makes the right decisions every time. That's why the gaffer trusts him to come in on big occasions when things are maybe not going our way. 'You think back towards the end of last season when that was the case. James was probably the first name on the team sheet at that point. 'He still has a lot to offer and hopefully he will go for 17 in a row next season.' Forrest, who opened his professional account as a youngster against Motherwell in May 2010, had last scored at Kilmarnock in the same month a year ago. Having waited until 60 seconds from the end of his 32nd appearance of this season to keep up the remarkable sequence, his goal was met by thunderous acclaim from home supporters. 'It's a fairytale for James,' added Johnston. 'Grown men were nearly in tears and that sums up how much James means to this club. 'I am really happy for him. It's a bummer that we only drew but to keep that streak going for 16 seasons is unbelievable. 'It shows how much he has taken care of himself for over a decade. 'James is a shy guy, but we got him out there and got him talking and lifting the trophy.' Johnston provided the assist which allowed Forrest to net his first goal of the campaign. Adamant that he didn't decide against shooting purely because it would deprive Forrest of the chance, he added: 'It could have been anyone standing there, I would still have passed the ball. I knew it was James and, yeah, we have been on him all week — you have to get one. 'We were telling him to be selfish and, even when he came on, I was telling him to hit shots. 'He took a couple on and you could tell he was feeling it. 'You could see in midweek against Aberdeen that he's had that little bit about him. He had his full-back on toast there. 'When Luke (McCowan) made the right decision and played the ball to me, it was always going to be a pass. 'I wanted to give him something to walk onto, but he still had a lot of work to do. 'He hit a sweet little two iron with some fade on it! 'He kept it low and out of the wind and it was amazing to see the net ripple. 'James kissing the badge and running into the corner was genius. It's a moment nobody will forget anytime soon. 'I have never seen an equaliser celebrated like that in my life. It's amazing for him and the club. He just continues to make history and break records.' Having turned on the style last midweek at Pittodrie, Celtic were not at their best and were poised to fall to their fifth league defeat of the season until Forrest stepped up. Although Brendan Rodgers' league champions are strong favourites to see off a struggling Aberdeen side to complete the Treble, Johnston admits their latest display has given them food for thought. 'It's a wee reminder, but we knew that anyway,' he said. 'Everyone in this league can give you a tough game, and they (St Mirren) played well. We will look back and figure out what we can do better. 'We were sluggish and forced a couple of things, but we know we can get back to the level. 'That will be really important because we expect a top game from Aberdeen in a Hampden final. 'They're not going to roll over just because we are going for a Treble.' Forrest and skipper Callum McGregor have now collected half a century of trophies between them and will seek to add to that tally at Hampden. Dismissing the notion that any professional could ever tire of winning, Johnston added: 'Look at James and Cal. They have won 50 trophies between them and are the two hungriest guys around. 'How can you, as a younger player with a lot less medals than them, ever say: 'Oh, it's just another one'. 'We want to win every piece of silverware available and we all have that desire and desperation to do it again on Saturday. 'We are in a position to do a domestic clean sweep so let's go and take that chance.'
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
New Bhoy wonder Johnny Kenny has shown that his first start for Celtic won't be his last
In one sense, it's probably no bad thing for Johnny Kenny that he's largely been restricted to cameo roles since returning to Celtic at the turn of the year. The Irish striker's season effectively began on February 23 last year when he ran out at Shelbourne's Tolka Park in the colours of his loan club Shamrock Rovers. As Celtic were winding down after claiming the double last summer, Kenny's season was in full swing. Interspersed with League of Ireland games, he played Champions League qualifiers against Vikingur and Sparta Prague. There then came a blizzard of Conference League matches against stellar names including Rapid Vienna and Chelsea. All told, he made 36 appearances for Stephen Bradley's side, scoring 20 times. And all that before checking back into Lennoxtown in December and being asked to show what he could do in the second half of Celtic's season. Aware of the need to manage his workload, Brendan Rodgers has wrapped Kenny in cotton wool. In the eight games encompassing his debut against Dundee and last weekend's game with Hibs, he was afforded a total of 66 minutes from the bench. There were flashes of promise, but it would require Rodgers to grant him a chance to play from the outset for any observer to make any proper assessment of his ability. After starring for 70 minutes and scoring in Celtic's comprehensive win over Aberdeen, it can be said with some certainty that his first start won't be his last. There's an assured first touch, pace and game-intelligence in his impressive package. Signed from Sligo Rovers on a five-year deal in 2022, Kenny was never going to be an overnight success at Parkhead. He played for Celtic's B team then went out on loan to Queen's Park. He won a title after moving to Rovers for their 2023 season, but it was still deemed too soon for him to push for a place with his parent club. A second loan deal with Bradley's side was arranged and proved to be mutually beneficial. With Kenny on board, Rovers became the first League of Ireland side to qualify for the knockout round of a European competition. The experience he gained in Dublin has turned him into a viable option for Rodgers. A spectacular diving header at Pittodrie to claim Celtic's fourth of the night might well prove to be the be the first of many. 'He's come in and obviously been limited in his opportunities, but it's not stopped him,' said Rodgers. 'He's worked so hard every day and it was just about timing, really. It was about giving him the opportunity and he took it. 'It was a fantastic goal. His movement was really good. So, that gave him huge confidence. 'I like him as a player. He's obviously come into Celtic earlier, went away, got some experience. 'He's grown over the few months we've had him from January. He's got stronger. 'His movement's really good and he's a natural goal scorer from 25 yards in. 'He can get the goal that he did tonight and is good with his left foot and right foot. I'm so pleased for him. 'A young guy from Ireland, playing for Celtic and then scoring your first goal at Pittodrie was amazing for him.' On a night when Maik Nawrocki also notched his first goal for the club with a thumping downward header, Rodgers' fringe players gave him substantial food for thought. Another of the wave of academy players who are now knocking on the door, 17-year-old midfielder Sean McArdle also caught the eye after being given the final nine minutes. A delightful pass opened up the Dons' defence just before Adam Idah claimed his 20th goal of the season. Backing up an impressive debut from the bench against Hibs, McArdle evidently is winning his manager's trust. 'I liked him when he came on,' Rodgers added. 'I like the young players. Any Celtic player has to have personality. 'And you could see at 17, he comes into the game, he gets the ball, he passes it. 'He's got a wee edge to him as well that I like. And he plays a lovely little one round the corner, which leads to Adam's goal. 'And that's the personality you need to have to play for Celtic. So, yes, I was really pleased for Sean.'
