According to RecordSport, Celtic could be set to send young midfielder, Scott Robertson, to Gillingham on loan.
The English club recently attempted to get Karamoko Dembele on a similar deal, however the Hoops felt the young superstar’s development was better placed at Parkhead. Where Robertson is concerned, the feeling appears to be different though.
There’s been a lot of discussion about youth development at Celtic recently. Brian McClair spoke about the absence of a reserve league being a big miss, whilst former St Mirren boss Danny Lennon shared that sentiment.
Celtic and Rangers have attempted to counter the issue by putting their Colts teams in the league structure, but that proposal wasn’t accepted at the last attempt. We may see it happen next season.
Often, the best way for young players at Celtic to get proper experience is to go out on loan and play first team football in a lower standard, because at least then they have the chance to learn from experienced pros and compete against men.
The lack of reserve team football and the fact that players are kept competing with peers their own age up until U23s has meant that a lot of young players and fringe players have not had sufficient game time to develop, or at least not in a suitable environment.
We saw Liam Henderson come and go quickly, whilst Karamoko and Ewan Henderson have not had a chance to break through under Lennon. That said, Jeremie Frimpong has been a brilliant addition since getting a chance.
Scott Robertson is highly thought of at Celtic and has impressed on the few occasions he has played. Perhaps going to Gillingham and playing league football will allow him to showcase his talent and live up to his potential at Celtic in the future. A loan move to England certainly did Callum McGregor no harm.
