Celtic started with two 18-year-old’s against St Johnstone on Saturday – and this should convince Josh Kerr to reject Leeds United’s advances.
Celtic appear to be facing a tough challenge keeping one of their most highly-rated prospects at Glasgow beyond the summer, HITC sources claim.
19-year-old defender Josh Kerr has offers from Premier League duo Burnley and Leicester City, though it’s links with Championship giants Leeds United that may offer the biggest threat to Celtic’s hopes of tying the out-of-contract teenager down to a long-term deal.
Although Garry Monk’s side will not be playing top tier football next season after a run of two wins in eleven cost them a place in the play-offs, the manager has shown a willingness to give young players a chance all season. Ronaldo Vieira, Kalvin Phillips and Lewie Coyle appear to have gleaming futures at Elland Road as long as Monk remains in charge.
Yet, Celtic’s 4-1 hammering of St Johnstone this weekend only reaffirmed the fact that the Scottish Champions too can boast a manager admired for his ability to get the best out of young players.
Brendan’s bright sparks
After all, 18-year-old duo Anthony Ralston and Michael Johnstone were both thrown in from the start, the latter making his senior debut a week after playing a major role in Celtic’s 2-0 Youth Cup final win against Rangers.
Furthermore, home grown prospects a la Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney have taken their games to the next level since Rodgers, who spent his formative years working as a youth coach at Chelsea, replaced Ronny Deila in the summer.
“Throughout my career, I have always given young players an opportunity,” Rodgers told the club’s official website after the St Johnstone thumping.
Under Rodgers, it could hardly be a better time for young players at Celtic Park. Therefore, perhaps Kerr should remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
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