Celtic Park witnessed a significant moment on Wednesday evening as manager Brendan Rodgers introduced young Mitchel Frame in the Champions League clash against Feyenoord.

At just 17, Frame, stepped onto the pitch, signalling a potential shift in Celtic’s approach to nurturing and integrating its academy talent.

In recent years, Celtic has faced challenges in successfully transitioning academy players to first-team regulars. The club’s youth system, once a fertile ground for budding talents, has seen a notable drought in producing players who make a lasting impact on the first team. The last standout academy graduate to really make his mark was Kieran Tierney, who left for Arsenal in a high-profile move.

Frame’s debut, therefore, comes as a refreshing change and a beacon of hope. Signed to a new three-year deal amid interest from Premier League sides like Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion, Frame represents not just his personal ambitions but also the aspirations of Celtic’s youth academy. His progression to the first team is a sign that the club is refocusing on its homegrown talent, a strategy many fans have long hoped to see revitalised.

The decision by Rodgers to bring Frame into the game is a bold statement of confidence in the youngster. Deployed further up the field than his usual left-back position, Frame was asked to fill in for the injured Luis Palma. This not only demonstrated the manager’s trust in his abilities but also highlighted Frame’s versatility – a quality that Celtic can greatly benefit from.

Frame’s debut is not just a personal milestone but also a critical litmus test for Celtic’s youth development program. It shows that the path from the academy to the first team, while challenging, is still viable.

He was part of a special night at Celtic Park with the bhoys winning 2-1 with a late goal from Gustaf Lagerbielke.