Celtic goalkeeper completes eventful one-game loan

Celtic have a stacked squad at this point in time. Naturally, not everyone is expected to get first-team chances. For some, it is best to leave the club on a permanent basis. On the other hand, for youngsters, loan moves away can be beneficial for their future and help them come to grips with the senior level of football.

One Celtic player recently left the club in order to join Championship side, Airdrieonians FC, on loan for just one game. It turned out to be an eventful experience for the youngster though.

Airdrieonians confirmed on Twitter that Josh Clarke joined the club on an emergency loan deal. He was there for the match against Dunfermline Athletic.

It turned out to be a good learning experience for Clarke, who started against Dunfermline Athletic. Airdrieonians ended up losing the game by a 2-1 scoreline. The Celtic loanee hurt his head off the post trying to save a header from Ewan Otoo. He had a couple of injury concerns in the second half as well and conceded a second in the 65th minute.

Celtic goalkeeper completes eventful one-game loan

Clarke did not seem to mind the experience at all. As reported by the Daily Record, he said after the match:

"“It’s typical. Ottsy had one early on which I was pleased to save but for his goal he put a really good header past me.“It was right in the corner and I got a whack to the head for my efforts to get to it.“I played rugby growing up so I’m used to getting a few whacks and stuff. I think the doctor was more concerned than I was. I’m okay.“I enjoyed it out there. I came in and met the boys on Friday for the first time for a training session and was thrown in at the deep end on Saturday, but I really enjoyed the experience and I can’t thank the manager and everyone at Airdrie enough for working with me.“I wish the team all the best for the future.”"

Clarke is one of the most highly-rated players in the Celtic youth setup right now and there are hopes that he can go on to feature for the senior team one day. In that regard, the game for Airdrieonians would have been a good learning curve for the 19-year-old.

It remains to be seen whether he heads out on a long-term loan deal this season or not. It is hard to imagine him getting into the first-team picture anytime soon and a spell away from Parkhead to develop at the senior level could serve him well.