On Wednesday night, Daniel Kelly, an East Kilbride teenager, scored his first goal for Celtic, and both captain Callum McGregor and manager Brendan Rodgers showered him with accolades.
The 18-year-old scored the game’s last goal in the 7-1 thumping of Dundee at Celtic Park. At halftime, with the Hoops leading 6-0, he came off the bench to replace McGregor.
As the godson of former Parkhead favourite Scott McDonald, Kelly has the potential to follow in his footsteps and become Glasgow’s East End’s next great thing.
The Hoops have high hopes for Kelly and he has now shown his ability at the top level, scoring with his weaker right foot against Dundee, curling a fine finish into the net.
His display drew post-match plaudits from boss Rodgers and McGregor, who also came through the club’s academy setup as a youngster.
After Kelly’s showing, McGregor told Celtic TV: “It’s brilliant. Over the time I have been here we keep trying to add the young players from getting them into the first team from the academy.
“This guy has been outstanding.
“He has all these qualities—a great personality, brilliance, and a strong desire to study and work hard.
“This is crucial if you wish to pursue a career in this field.
“He is adored by the group for both his playing and training styles. We simply need him to do that more often.”
Rodgers got compensated for his player as well. “One of our young guys, Daniel, scores the club’s first goal ever,” the speaker declared. As a Celtics fan, I am jealous of him.
“That’s all that hard work—he’s been here since he was eight years old.
“It was a great finish by him.”
Kelly commented on his big moment, saying, “It was brilliant; I was buzzing when the chance came.” “Tonight, a large number of my friends and family were present. It was excellent.”
