Sensational midfielder rejects Tottenham offer but talent drain is intensifying

Celtic are seeing an increased number of academy graduates leave the club in search of first-team football elsewhere after Daniel Kelly sealed a move to Millwall.

While Celtic fans are anxiously waiting to see what new players the club sign before the close of the transfer window there must be real concern why another two of their best young talents have decided to leave Parkhead.

Highly-rated midfielder Daniel Kelly is the latest young player to opt to leave Celtic for pastures new following the departure of forward Rocco Vata earlier this summer.

Kelly has agreed a pre-contract to join Millwall in January when his contract at Celtic expires at the end of December.

The 18-year-old turned down offers from Premier League clubs, German sides and also MLS sides to make the move to South London.

Before joining Millwall, Kelly had been offered a new contract under Brendan Rodgers, but he turned down the deal after seeking assurances over his role at the club which were not given.

Vata, 19, also made the move to the English Championship this summer as he signed a four-year contract with Watford.

The Ireland youth international scored his first goal for Celtic in a 5-0 win against Buckie Thistle in January, but played just three minutes in the remainder of the season.

The departures of two of the club’s brightest young stars have raised questions about the pathway into the first-team squad for talents coming through the academy system.

Celtic rising stars struggling to break into the first team

The step up from academy level to senior level is a big step to make. The differences between boys’ and men’s football are often too much for young players early in their careers.

Scottish football, and football in Glasgow especially, comes with its challenges. The intense rivalry of the Old Firm places a unique pressure on the shoulders of their players.

There is a constant demand to be better than their rivals both domestically and in European competitions – and fans expect to win every game they play.