Jonathan Afolabi has joined Ayr United on-loan today, making his debut in this evening’s match against Kilmarnock. The 21-year-old has had loan spells at Dunfermline and Dundee since joining Celtic from Southampton’s youth academy in 2019. Afolabi came off the bench in the 67th minute during the 2-0 defeat to Killie.
📝 | The Honest Men have completed the signing of striker Jonathan Afolabi on loan from Celtic.
➡️ https://t.co/FQQT6VERHN pic.twitter.com/EiWtMDgFtL
— Ayr United (@AyrUnitedFC) August 2, 2021
The Irish U21 was actually a part of the Dundee side that relegated Killie last season as James McPake’s team sealed an impressive win over Tommy Wright’s Killie. Afolabi made 22 appearances last season, scoring 4 goals across all competitions. It is not an astonishing return but the player has been working on his build-up play, holding the ball up and bringing teammates into the game. He will be hoping to get more opportunities for Ayr and eventually be able to showcase to Ange Postecoglou that he is good enough for Celtic.
⏱️ 67′ | Double change for United.
▶️ O’Connor & Afolabi
◀️ McKenzie & HewittKIL 1-0 AYR pic.twitter.com/OUEJvPGnBZ
— Ayr United (@AyrUnitedFC) August 2, 2021
Afolabi came up through the ranks at Shamrock Rovers, the club that Celtic are said to be considering a raid on to sign Liam Scales. The 22-year-old central defender can play at centre back as well as a defensive midfielder but it is unlikely that he will be a first-team ready player as the manager needs experience and quality.
He was rotten.