Daniel Cummings attracting interest from down south. If Celtic can’t keep him questions will rightly be asked, one will be if Celtic can develop Doak, Kelly, Vata and Cummings why can’t we retain their services?

Daniel Cummings of Celtic scores his team’s first goal during the Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – UEFA Youth League 2024/25 match at The City Stadium on September 18, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Daniel Cummings is a player who is impressing in the Celtic B side this season. The 18 year old has scored 24 goals in as many games this season which has brought him to the attention of the Celtic supporters, and more importantly Brendan Rodgers who recently named him on the bench for the recent 4-1 win in Dingwall against Ross County.

Cummings out of contract in June 2025

Daniel is out of contract in the summer, and this has unsurprisingly caught the attention of several clubs with West Ham and Brighton the most recent sides credited with an interest in the Scottish youth international.

The club to their credit are pushing for him to sign a new deal, but with our track record of failing to hold on to young talent, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Daniel Cummings of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Youth League 2024/25 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Lesser Hampden on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

If Daniel does indeed join the likes of Ben Doak, Daniel Kelly and Rocco Vata in heading down south, questions will quite rightly be asked over our competency in retaining the best players emerging from the Celtic Academy.

Our best young players are opting to leave

Young players are opting to leave without even having had a sniff of regular first team football, and that is rather concerning. It’s something that the club are clearly aware of but solutions need to be found and part of that is a clear pathway into the first team. It seems young players don’t think that going to be a viable option and that could be the problem. It’s going to be down to Michael Nicholson and Brendan Rodgers to find the answers.

Daniel Cummings of Celtic scores his team’s third goal during the UEFA Youth League 2024/25 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Lesser Hampden on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Of course there is the financial aspect, but the lack of first team opportunities for our youth players is also a worry. Breaking into the Celtic first team is difficult for any youngster, but surely we have to ask why that is?

It’s time the club started to address this situation as grassroots level is one of great importance.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy