Celtic are always on the lookout for rising talents around the game and it looks like an Irish midfielder is now on their radar. Of course, such players are always in demand and the Hoops might have to compete with top-level Premier League opposition if they want to sign him. So, let's see how things play out.
Celtic do not have a good record in recent years when it comes to developing talents and turning them into first-team regulars. The last one to make the jump from the academy and become a starter was Kieran Tierney. It has been a long time since then.
Naturally, that is an area where Celtic need to improve. A key to that is signing the right talents from other clubs.
As reported by The Celtic Way, 16-year-old Finn Harps midfielder Gavin McAteer is in Glasgow for four days. The Hoops have welcomed him on trial at Lennoxtown this week. He has already had a trial with Nottingham Forest as well.
Celtic are very keen on signing Irish midfielder
Finn Harps manager Kevin McHugh told Donegal Live:
"Gavin was at Forest and got on exceptionally well and Celtic now are very keen to throw their hat in the ring.
“He has gone for four days. He’ll be back in Donegal ahead of our training on Thursday night for the Athlone game on Friday.
“The signs so far have been good. He’s getting on very well."
Despite being just 16 years of age, McAteer has already played a decent bit of senior-level football for Finn Harps. He has made 26 appearances for the club so far.
But even if Celtic are able to sign McAteer, it is unlikely that he will get into the senior team from the very beginning. He will probably end up in the B Team or be sent out on loan to gain experience.
Even then, the chances of him making it into the first-team would be slim at best. Of course, it would not be easy for Celtic to win a transfer race against a Premier League team like Nottingham Forest. So, let's see what the future holds for the Irish midfielder.