Former Celtic academy star outlines Premier League ambition after Parkhead exit

Former Celtic academy prospect Aidan Borland is hoping to follow the example of his Aston Villa teammates and eventually force his way into Unai Emery’s first-team plans.

Borland left Celtic for Villa three years ago at the age of 16 and has since continued his development as one of the English club’s highly-rated young midfielders.

The 19-year-old has captained Villa’s Under-21s in Premier League 2 and is currently gaining senior experience on loan at League Two side Accrington Stanley, having spent time with Swindon Town last season.

Borland was also part of the Villa side which lifted the FA Youth Cup last term, featuring in their 3-1 final victory over Manchester City.

His teammate from that game, George Hemmings, has since made the step into Villa’s senior side, providing Borland with encouragement that a similar pathway could open for him.

The former Celtic youngster told the Daily Record: “I think it’s just about doing everything right that when the opportunity comes around, whether it’s training or on the pitch that you take your opportunity and he’s obviously done that really well this season with coming in and keeping his place. It is definitely one for all the academy boys to see and push towards.”

Borland has also been able to lean on Scotland and Villa captain John McGinn since making the daunting move south from Celtic as a teenager.

He added: “It’s been great ever since I went down. He’s looked after me and looked out for me on the training pitch and gave me his number to reach out if I ever needed anything on and off the pitch. So there’s no better role model than the captain of your country.

‌“Also being the captain of your club, as someone to look up to and obviously helps as well having boys through the academy that I’ve known from a young age, being Scottish players as well. So it definitely helps you settle in.”

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