Daniel Kelly has decided to join Millwall in January once his contract at Celtic officially expires at the end of the year.
Lions boss Neil Harris confirmed the news earlier this week, stating: “Dan has agreed to join the club. A deal has been reached and he has signed. He officially joins us in January. He is a young player that falls into the mould of Romain, Aidomo and Alfie – that we think has got huge promise.
“We want to be that football club that brings players in and gives them that opportunity. It is the only way for us as a football club to evolve.”
Previously, Brendan Rodgers took a hardline stance on his refusal to sign a new deal at Celtic, admitting he would play no part in pre-season while uncertainty lingered surrounding his future.
Despite having an offer on the table that would’ve seen him become a regular part of the first-team squad, Kelly has chosen to look elsewhere to establish himself in the game.
Ultimately, it is his choice where he believes it is best to continue his development. Nevertheless, if possible, there is a school of thought that Celtic should look to sever ties in this window, which is worth addressing.
Celtic and Daniel Kelly as his next stop is now clear
Celtic have been unsuccessful in their efforts to try and keep Kelly and it now may be best for both parties to have a clean break this month if possible.
Firstly, staying at Lennoxtown for the next few months isn’t going to help his growth. The 18-year-old has featured at B Team level while debate over his future, even scoring against Gala Fairydean Rovers last week, but it is clear he can play at a higher level.
Rodgers won’t use him on the first team during the rest of his contract, so it makes sense to try to secure a fee for his services if possible.
Understandably, Millwall won’t pay if they don’t have to; bar training payments will be due to Celtic. Regardless, with his situation settled, it is time to focus on other youngsters who are vying to make a senior breakthrough at Parkhead.
Celtic have plans in place to improve youth growth
To make it clear, this is my own take on events. Lennoxtown has become a complex environment in which to move into the senior set-up in recent years. Kelly isn’t the first youngster to see a preferable pathway elsewhere to continue his growth.
In an effort to combat the academy drain, Celtic have made some key academy appointments to try and maximise the potential of homegrown talent. Darren O’Dea has moved over to Professional Player Pathway Manager and is tasked with growing Hoops starlets both at the club and out on loan.
Jonny Hayes has returned to the club as B Team assistant coach. Meanwhile, Adam Asghar and Chris Hendry have teamed up to handle the Under-18 set-up.
Hopefully, the backroom reshuffle can help fulfil Rodgers’ aims to push youth talent across his second tenure. That has to be the plan: losing prodigious kids isn’t a trend Celtic fans want to see continue.
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