Mark Sykes justifies reported Celtic interest with Young Player of the Year win

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Scottish Premiership giants Celtic joined Premier League Leicester City and League One Blackburn Rovers in scouting Mark Sykes.

Glenavon have welcomed plenty of scouts at Mourneview Park this season.

And it would be no surprise if their talented Northern Ireland U21 midfielder Mark Sykes made the short trip over the sea this summer.

As reported back in November by the Belfast Telegraph, Sykes was a man in demand with a number of clubs emerging as potential destinations for one of the hottest prospects in Irish football.

It was understood that Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers have been watching the 20-year-old while interest from Celtic is perhaps the most intriguing.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has an eye for a young talent after all and Parkhead would perhaps be the best destination for Sykes, particularly with the likes of Moussa Dembele and Kieren Tierney evolving into £20+ players under the former Liverpool and Swansea City boss.

Links with Sykes have grown a little cold of late but, with the summer transfer window on the horizon, Celtic should follow up their interest and hand Sykes his big break at Parkhead.

Especially after Skyes was named the Ulster Young Player of the Year award, given to the best performing prospect in Northern Ireland across the 2017/18 season. Sykes has scored an impressive nine goals and produced six assists from central midfield, helping Glenavon to third place in the table.