As Celtic marched to a commanding 14-point lead over Rangers this weekend, the narrative around Scottish football should have been one of celebration for the league leaders. Instead, a familiar refrain echoed across certain corners of the media, with BBC journalist Tom English and Guardian writer Ewan Murray bemoaning Celtic’s supposed neglect of Scottish talent in their first team. Their focus on this issue, conveniently ignoring key context, reveals more about a desire to nit-pick at Celtic’s success than it does about genuine concern for the state of Scottish football.
Selective Criticism
The crux of their argument hinged on the fact that Celtic’s starting XI for the weekend fixture lacked Scots. Conveniently, they neglected to mention two critical facts: first, club captain Callum McGregor, the beating heart of this Celtic side, was rested. Second, Greg Taylor, one of the league’s most consistent performers, also didn’t feature. These are players who have been pivotal to Celtic’s dominance under Brendan Rodgers, and their contributions to both club and country cannot be overstated.
The omission of these key details smacks of an agenda. Are we really to believe that a one-off selection devoid of Scots, in the midst of squad rotation for a hectic fixture schedule, is indicative of a systemic failure to develop homegrown talent? Or is it simply an opportunistic stick to beat Celtic with?
Celtic’s Youth Pathway: Fact vs Fiction
English and Murray’s arguments also ignore the realities of modern football. Celtic have, in fact, produced a number of talented young Scots in recent years, but the nature of the game at the elite level means many have moved on before establishing themselves at Parkhead. Ben Doak, making waves down south is a perfect example. Guys like Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly who were getting first team face time at Celtic also walked out at the first opportunity.
The problem isn’t that Celtic don’t develop young talent; it’s that the footballing landscape in Scotland makes it nearly impossible to retain them. When Premier League riches or the lure of European giants come calling, it’s no surprise young players choose to move south. And who could blame them? These moves secure financial stability and offer a level of competition that Scotland simply can’t match.
To suggest, as Murray does, that Celtic should be handing out token minutes to young Scots is not only patronising but fundamentally misunderstands how competitive sport works. Brendan Rodgers has been unequivocal: players must earn their place on merit. If young players aren’t breaking through, it’s not due to a lack of opportunities but because they haven’t yet demonstrated they’re ready.
The Wider Context
This isn’t just a Celtic issue. Across Europe, the trend is the same. Manchester City have this week fielded just two English players in the starting XI. PSG, Bayer Leverkusen, and other top clubs also prioritise winning over national quotas. Why should Celtic be held to a different standard?
The focus on youth development shouldn’t be about forcing players into the first team for the sake of optics. Instead, it’s about ensuring they have the best possible pathway to fulfil their potential, whether that’s at Celtic or elsewhere. The B team and loan spells are part of that process, as is competing in training against the high calibre of talent Celtic regularly recruit.
Desperation to Criticise
What’s most telling about this entire debate is its timing. Celtic are flying. They’re clear at the top of the table, playing with swagger, and showing a ruthlessness that their rivals can’t match. For some, that success is uncomfortable, and when the usual criticisms about budgets or “buying the league” start to ring hollow, they search for a new angle. This week, it’s the youth policy. Next week, it’ll be something else.
But fans see through this. They know that Celtic’s priority is—and should be—success on the pitch. Youth development is a vital part of the club’s strategy, but it doesn’t exist in isolation. Players must earn their spot, and if that means a team with fewer Scots in the short term, so be it.
A Hollow Argument
The outrage from English and Murray feels like little more than manufactured controversy. Celtic are doing what any big club in their position would do: striving for excellence and setting standards that others in Scotland struggle to match. The development of Scottish talent is an important issue, but it’s one that requires a holistic approach from the entire footballing ecosystem, not just Celtic.
For now, Brendan Rodgers and his team can take solace in the fact that this latest criticism is merely the sound of detractors grasping at straws. After all, success breeds envy, and Celtic are succeeding in spades.
