Celtic will take a bright youngster on trial to assess his capabilities during a week-long camp within the academy set-up.
The Bhoys are actively on the lookout for first-team additions this summer; nevertheless, identifying stars of the future at youth level is just as important an endeavour to enhance long-term sustainability.
Developing players with the opportunity to one day offer them a pathway into the senior squad has to be the aim for Celtic, and Brendan Rodgers has signalled his intention to internally promote Lennoxtown graduates during his second spell.
Now, information has come to light concerning a prodigious talent who has been given a chance to impress on trial at the club.
Shay Reid to go on trial with Celtic
According to Belfast Live, Cliftonville youngster Shay Reid is to go on trial with Celtic Under-18 after a prolific campaign at Under-16 and Under-18 level, where he netted 36 goals in total.
The 15-year-old will train with the squad before participating in a friendly match, and he is also set to represent County Down at the SuperCupNI at the end of this month.
He is also being courted by Hibernian alongside several other clubs, and has featured for Northern Ireland at youth level amid his exploits in Belfast.
Speaking back in April, Cliftonville’s academy head Paul Smyth shed some light on his situation, stating: “We have three other boys going over to Hibs – Ollie McCart, Oisin Gamble and Owen Mahoney. We also have Shay Reid going to Celtic in the coming weeks and Eamonn Tohill who is going to Derby. So we have six or seven players heading across the water.
“It is testament to the boys and the way they have performed for us, and also the attitude they have towards their football. Talent only gets you so far, but you need that hunger and desire, and a will to succeed, and all these boys have it.”
Hopefully, Reid can take his chance to shine at Celtic and earn an extended stay to develop under academy staff, with Adam Asghar set to take over as Under-18 boss.