Celtic have unveiled a new contract for young Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly and are confident the beloved academy prospect will be at the club.
Kelly burst onto the Celtic first-team scene this season after making his Scottish Cup debut in a 5-0 win over Buckie Thistle.
The 18-year-old then made his Scottish Premiership debut at Celtic Park against Dundee after replacing Callum McGregor in the middle.
Scoring a goal in that game, the Daily Record reports that Kelly has been presented with a new contract with Celtic, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season.
The report claims that Celtic have “submitted an extension” and that Kelly’s “preference” is to remain at the club despite interest from Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig.
It will be a huge boost to the support of Celtic, who are exasperated by the number of young talents lost in England and in recent seasons.
The Celtic manager is a big fan of the Hoops youngster. Obviously, Rodgers is keen to encourage Kelly’s development, which is reflected in his 3 appearances for the club at this level this season.
Speaking about Daniel Kelly earlier this season, Rodgers said: “He’s a young player that I’ve enjoyed racing with since I came back. He came with us in pre-season in Portugal and he has this attitude. He’s 18 years old and you can physically see how evolved he is: his power, his speed, his touch.
“It’s just going to grow and part of the concept and strategy here is to allow those young players to come in and develop. The team is so gigantic that young players are left out.
“Here’s an example: When there’s room for them to come and with you, you’ll see the rewards. “
So, it looks like if Kelly puts his pen to paper on a new contract, he will have a glittering long Celtic career under Brendan Rodgers.
And judging by this report, it turns out that an agreement is not far from being reached.
Also, “I have heard”. . . Barry Ferguson shares what he’s been told about Celtic’s prospects in the academy