Celtic have added another promising youngster to their academy ranks after finalising the arrival of defender Shea McGarry.
The 16-year-old centre-back has now linked up with the club’s B team after agreeing a switch from Cliftonville, with the move having been settled last month.
McGarry already had experience of senior football in Northern Ireland despite his age and had attracted attention from a number of English Championship clubs before opting to continue his development at the Hoops.
The highly-rated defender is no stranger to Celtic, having previously represented Celtic Boys Belfast during his early years.
Cliftonville assistant manager and former Celtic academy player Gerard Lyttle believes the teenager is joining the ideal environment to fulfil his potential.
“We are all delighted that he has signed for Celtic,” he said via Belfast Telegraph.
“It’s a great environment he’s going into and it will be a fantastic education for him.
“I think he has a massive future in the game. On top of ability, he has a bit of character. He handles situations around senior players well. He is respectful and has a great personality.”
“Shea was outstanding when he made his debut, he was probably the best player on the pitch that day.
“He’s a big centre back with a lovely wand of a left foot. He reads lines, steps into the play and has been well-educated from his time in the academy.”
“Working with him full-time has really helped him develop as a player to enable him to get this move.
“He has played at youth level for Northern Ireland and has made a massive jump in a year. With a supportive family behind him, he was a little bit of a late bloomer like Sean Moore (sold to West Ham).
“Shea’s progression to the first team has been swift but his performances have been brilliant.”
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