Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has reminded Ben Doak that the grass is not always greener elsewhere as the teenager closes in on a move to Premier League giants Liverpool, speaking to the Scottish Sun.
As a 16-year-old forward trotted onto the Parkhead turf in February, brought off the bench for the final few minutes of Celtic’s 3-0 Old Firm thumping of Rangers, it seemed like there was more at play than Postecoglou merely looking to see out a vital win in the title race.
Doak’s introduction felt like an attempt to remind the youngster what he’d be walking away from. How could he turn his back on a Celtic side this exciting? On a fanbase this passionate? On a manager so renowned for giving youth a chance?
With The Sun reporting that Doak is set to move south of the border to Liverpool – lured away by the prospect of working under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield – it seems that Celtic’s charm offensive has not had the desired effect.
Not that Postecoglou is willing to accept defeat just yet.
After Celtic’s 3-0 Scottish Cup thumping of Dundee United on Monday night, the Hoops boss did not miss the opportunity to point out that, of the 18 players included in the squad at Tannadice, six came through the academy in Glasgow.
If Doak performs a last-gasp U-turn, he’ll be welcomed back with open arms.
Is Ben Doak leaving Celtic for Liverpool?
“I’ve said all along my role is to look after the footballers that want to be here. The footballers that don’t want to be here? There’s another avenue there for them,” says Postecoglou.
“When you look at the starting line-up against Dundee United there were a few boys who started out as ball boys for our club.
“You can’t tell me they haven’t had careers. They’ve represented their country, they’ve won trophies.
“There are a couple down south who started here too. People may think going down south is a reward or some guarantee of success.
“Life – and football in general – shows you there are many avenues towards that goal. I think you’re in a great place here if that’s what your end game is.”
Doak is a boyhood Celtic fan, a ‘fantastic kid’ with a maturity and ‘composure’ that belies his years. But, as things stand, he is yet to sign a professional contract with the Glasgow giants.
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