Celtic defender Ewan Otoo has been described as years ahead both physically and mentally by his loan boss Danny Lennon this week.

The 18-year-old was loaned out to Clyde in March and has already impressed the former St Mirren boss with his attitude and application.

Otoo has been one of the youngsters at Lennoxtown who have just been playing bounce games and training for over a year with very little chance of meaningful development.

That’s not holding Ewan back for Clyde, Danny has been singing the player’s praises.

“Ewan is a young boy with fantastic energy, he’s trying to make his mark in the game at that level, so he will certainly get the experience of that.” Lennon told RecordSport.

“Like anything, I believe when you’re given that access, the more that you go and play at that level, the quicker these boys learn.

“What he does have is a terrific attitude, for a very young boy he’s years ahead in terms of maturation, and is a very strong, powerful boy.

“He’ll come in there and certainly aid us in an area that has been a bit of an Achilles heel for us, not just this season but for a few.

“This week is coming into a very hectic schedule and we are starting to get stretched a bit.

“There’s a bit more aches and pains, a bit longer now to recover, with the games coming as fast as they are, so this is where the strength and perhaps the opportunity will arise for one of these youngsters to get an opportunity.”

Celtic’s rebuild in the summer will have to see some youngsters get a chance. A mixture of first team players, new signings and some younger players sprinkled in could have the desired effect.

What we can’t afford to do is waste obvious talent. If the club believes Otoo would benefit from a whole season out on loan then this should happen swiftly next season.

Celtic are crying out for defenders, I wonder if Ewan could have got some game time with club instead of being loaned out.