It has been reported this evening that Luca Connell has been released by the club. Connell was signed by Neil Lennon in the summer of 2019 alongside the likes of Christopher Jullien, Hatem El Hamed and Boli Bolingoli. However, the young talent never really threatened to get into the first team.

Scottish Daily Express have now given the exclusive that Connell has been released by Celtic after an unfruitful three-year relationship. The youngster was signed from Bolton Wanderers with great promise that he could one day become a Celtic regular. The player was even called up for Ireland at one point such was his promise.

Celtic according to the report have decided against taking up their one year option on Connell’s deal so the Irish midfielder will now become a free agent.

Rubin Colwill of Wales U21 battles for the ball with Luca Connell of Republic of Ireland during the International Friendly match between Wales U21 and Republic of Ireland U21 at the Racecourse Ground on March 26, 2021 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Alas, it was not to be at Celtic Park for the youngster as he was sent out on-loan for the previous while. Queens Park has been his home for considerable time, having played for the Parkhead side’s development team for a brief period of time. However, the 21-year-old has played his part in getting the Spiders promoted from League Two in Scotland to the Championship – quite a remarkable achievement by anybody’s standard.

The Ireland U-21 internationalist is now free to make his next move, with interest in his services no doubt high due to the impact he’s had in the lower leagues in Scotland, combined with the fact his room for potential improvement is still very high. I’m sure everyone involved with Celtic and the fans themselves will wish Luca all the best in his future endeavours.

Paul Gillespie

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