Celtic Host Republic of Ireland U17 Midfielder Gavin McAteer on Trial
Celtic have brought in highly rated Republic of Ireland U17 international Gavin McAteer for a trial at Lennoxtown this week, according to reports from Ireland.
The 16-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Finn Harps, has travelled to Glasgow for a four-day trial but will return to Donegal in time to feature in his club’s upcoming fixture against Athlone Town on Friday night.
McAteer, who has already spent time on trial with Premier League side Nottingham Forest, is attracting growing interest, with Celtic now keen to assess the youngster up close.
Finn Harps manager Kevin McHugh, a former player himself, confirmed to Donegal Live that the trial with Brendan Rodgers’ side has been going positively. “Celtic are very keen to throw their hat in the ring. The signs so far have been good. He’s getting on very well,” McHugh said.
McAteer has featured in 10 First Division matches for Finn Harps this season, continuing his development after becoming the club’s youngest-ever senior player at just 15. He’s made a total of 26 senior appearances and has registered two assists.
Internationally, he made his Republic of Ireland U17 debut in February, coming off the bench in a 3-0 loss to Finland, followed by an assist in a 5-0 win against Iceland in his second appearance.
Last October, during his time with Nottingham Forest, McAteer impressed by scoring in a 6-1 win for the club’s U21 team during his trial.
Meanwhile, Celtic are preparing for their upcoming fixtures — starting with Hibernian at home on Saturday, May 10, followed by a trip to Aberdeen on Wednesday. They’ll also face St Mirren before taking on Aberdeen once again in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday, May 24.
