10 Feb 2020 19:14:35
Question on progression for our fringe/ academy players.

I've seen on here the likes of Johnson getting stick for being too weak for the big games, which to be fair he can be at times, however my question is should we start loaning our younger players out earlier to see if they can develop and adapt to the physicality of the Scottish game quicker in order to progress in the first 11 at an earlier age?

Dembele is a prime example, I see why we would want to protect him, but I fear for many of our prospects that they will turn out to be like Phil foden, bags of potential but never get a real chance, and that shouldn't be the case as our prospects should be good enough to get a full season of football in the SPL at a lower league positioned team, and the vital minutes would surely help us going forward.

The development league isn't challenging enough for them and they don't get the experience required.

January was good for some youngsters going out on loan, but do you think we should be sending them out earlier? Some lads play development football and then get released without even showcasing there ability.

Many players aren't the best in training but shine in a match, and I think we have lost talent and may lose more in the future unless we get them sent out earlier.

1.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 19:45:55
We have a fantastic group of young potential stars and they all can't be expected to hang around indefinitely biding their time - especially at a huge club that obviously buys plenty of players.
A footballers career is short enough and unless you have outrageous talent like Forrest, KT, Frimpong or even Eddy etc; In my opinion, they should be loaned out and monitored closely as part of their development, just like we did with Cal-Mac and Ajer.
I know it doesn't work all the time and the jury is still out on players like Ralston and Henderson for example, but it does help their career one way or another and there are several that could benefit from that experience and a realistic match-day routine.

{Ed007's Note - What do you think of the idea of us entering a B team into the lower leagues similar to what Spanish clubs do, OAB?}

2.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 20:02:05
It done wonders for both Ajer and Christie. I'm surprised we don't do it more. Bayo and Shved could be doing with it.

3.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 20:06:45
Well that is better than playing in a development league, however why not have a feeder team in the lower tier?

4.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 20:40:57
I would love that Ed; as you know I'm an 'old timer' and that idea was banded about some time ago, where 'Celtic Colts' (and others) would enter the lower divisions but would not be eligible for cup tournaments, or promotion to the top league. I don't know why it was shot down in flames as it would help develop players, stop us losing potential talent and even boost attendances of smaller clubs = cash?

{Ed007's Note - It's a no brainer for me too mate. The only down point for me is that if we won the Championship - or any lower league for that matter - and were not allowed to be promoted it would take the gloss off the promoted team and devalue the competition in a way.}

5.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 20:41:33
Limits to the number of loanees would be an issue. You'd think having a second set of premiership teams would be good for Scottish football but didn't clubs vote heavily against it recently?

6.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 22:24:39
A Celtic Colt team would be ideal for developing the young players allow the team to go no higher than 1st division but wasn't this proposed and voted down?

7.) 10 Feb 2020
10 Feb 2020 22:13:01
It's horses for courses. Some players are ready for first team action. Some still need coaching. And I'd like to think we have better coaching/ facilities than the teams they would be going on loan to anyway. Christie and Ajer had already played first team football. A Jong team is the perfect solution for me - getting coached off our staff and mixing with the first team whilst playing competetive football against men.