Young midfielder Francis Turley made a notable entrance into Celtic’s senior squad on Sunday, coming off the bench in the dying moments of their 3-0 triumph over St Mirren.
The 18-year-old, who has been developing through Celtic’s ranks since his move from Glentoran in 2022, replaced Reo Hatate in the 89th minute, marking his first competitive appearance for the first team.
Turley’s inclusion in the match was a culmination of his standout performances in the youth setup and his impressive contributions during the pre-season. By the time Turley entered the fray at SMiSA Stadium, Celtic had already secured the win with goals from Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Alistair Johnston.
Turley’s joy and gratitude on social media
Following the match, Turley took to Twitter to share his excitement about his debut, describing it as a “dream come true.” His heartfelt post quickly resonated with fans, who flooded his social media with congratulatory messages.
Dream come true 🍀 pic.twitter.com/vL92TWMp6G
— Francis Turley (@TurleyFrancis) August 25, 2024
A bright future for the Belfast-born talent
The Belfast-born Turley, who is eligible to represent both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the international level, is seen as a promising prospect for Celtic. His progression from youth talent to first-team player reflects well on his dedication and potential.
Turley’s debut highlights the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and rewarding loyalty. As he continues to develop, the midfielder is expected to be a significant figure in Celtic’s future.
