Celtic have had a tough time bringing through youngsters from their academy into the first-team in recent years. This has resulted in a number of them leaving the club in search of football elsewhere while a few others have just left when European giants came calling.
Some of the most highly-rated youngsters at the club have sealed Parkhead exits in recent times. Liam Morrison and Barry Hepburn joined Bayern Munich, Josh Adams moved to Manchester City and Liam Hughes signed with Liverpool. That is a lot of talent that has left in a short space of time.
One such promising youngster at the club was Cameron Harper. The American had made his debut for the first-team this season back in January. But ultimately, he ended up joining the New York Red Bulls in March.
Now, speaking with New York Red Bulls’ official website and as reported by Glasgow Live, he has broken his silence and revealed why he decided to join the MLS side:
"“At Celtic, it can sometimes be hard to breakthrough.“You only get so many chances, especially in a team that have to win every game, so when I spoke to Kev everything sounded good.“At my age I need opportunities and they (New York) were very honest with me and said I would get my opportunity if I play well in training, and that’s all you can ask for.“It’s really good for me. I was obviously with the first team for a little bit and then things went a little bit sour, so I was back in the reserves, but I’m happy to be back with the first-team in terms of high intensity training”"
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Celtic need to bring through youngsters
It is clear that the Hoops have had their issues in recent years when it comes to promoting their youth players into the first-team. And that must change moving forward if the club want to progress.
It was not too long ago that Celtic was considered as one of the best places for a young player to develop. Things have not been the same lately though. One also has to wonder how much of a part the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League in recent years has played as well in the departures.
A new manager is expected to arrive at the end of this season though and one can only hope that he is someone who gives the youth a chance on a consistent basis so that they can break through into the first-team and hopefully develop into regulars at some point of time moving forward.