Celtic’s record at producing homegrown players is something that’s long been under scrutiny, and with good reason, but sometimes we don’t get the credit we deserve for developing homegrown talent, and a stat from Saturday’s win over Livingston shines us in a good light.
Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
Dane Murray and Tony Ralston, both players who were developed at the club started the game, whilst the likes of Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Kieran Tierney, and Colby Donavan were amongst the substitutes proving that our youth academy does indeed serve it’s purpose.
Each player mentioned minus the rested Kieran Tierney played their part in the 3-0 stroll over Livingston, and come full time four of those players were on the pitch, although it’s not a stat that was highlighted in the Scottish media.
It’s long been held against us by the hacks that we neglect our duty when it comes to trusting our youth system, forever accusing us of failing to give our homegrown players a chance at first team level.
Brendan Rodgers has also given the likes of Ben Summers, Jude Bonnar, Sean McArdle and Francis Turley tastes of first team action while Stephen Welsh has been in and around the Celtic team for a good number of years now.
Yes, it could certainly be better, but we do more than our bit when it comes to producing young talent. Something that is conveniently overlooked by the mainstream media outlets.
The win against Livingston, coupled with Motherwell taking a point against Hearts at Tynecastle means that Celtic are now clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as the one and only club with a 100% record.
Brendan Rodgers after the Premier League match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Meanwhile theRangers remain unbeaten as the only team not to have won or lost a game so far with their three consecutive draws. A late equaliser away at St Mirren yesterday salvaged a point for Russell Martin’s side who are in Belgium in midweek for their Champions League play-off against Club Brugge – before returning to Scotland to take on Celtic on Sunday 31 August, in the first Glasgow Derby of the season.
A Celtic win would see Brendan Rodgers opening up a NINE points advantage over theRangers going into September. Now that’s a tantalising prospect for the Hoops and hopefully it comes on the back of win tomorrow night against Kairat to take us into the Champions League.
COYBIG
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.
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and yet the last time a home grown player came through the ranks to be a regular starter was ……. Kieran Tierney.