Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League qualification process once again, a hurdle they have not been able to cross for so many years now. Positive results against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich had raised hopes that the club could be moving in the right direction in Europe. But it is now back to square one again.
It is time to have a hard look in the mirror. The transfer strategy clearly let them down on this occasion. But at the same time, one has to question whether it is time to give the club's own academy youngsters more chances instead of signing talents from elsewhere, who are clearly not up to the mark.
Two of the standout performers on the night against Kairat, and there were not many, were Colby Donovan and Dane Murray. But players like them have often not gotten consistent chances at Celtic and left as a result. In fact, there's been another exit announced today.
As reported by Tottenham Hotspur on their official website, Conall Glancy has joined their Academy from Celtic. He arrives as a first-year scholar in the Under-18s.
Tottenham Hotspur announce signing of Celtic player
Glancy was a highly-rated talent at Celtic. That is very clear from the fact that Tottenham Hotspur have signed him.
Glancy had been at Celtic since the age of six. He has the ability to play as a winger or in the central areas. Last season, he managed to score 15 times for the Hoops' U-16s side.
Players like Glancy will continue to leave, as long as Celtic do not provide a real pathway into the senior team for their academy talents. There is really no reason for them to stay when Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur come calling.
We have been talking about this for what feels like an eternity. The last player to make the jump from the academy and become a regular starter for Celtic was Kieran Tierney. How long has that been? Surely there cannot be such a lack of talent at the youth ranks of the club.
Anyways, we can only wish Glancy the best of luck as he departs the club. Hopefully, he has a successful career down south.