Queen’s Park manager Sean Crighton has confirmed there have been ongoing talks about a possible loan deal with Celtic, ahead of tonight’s pre-season clash at Lesser Hampden.
There’s been growing speculation that Celtic could soon start sending some of their young players out on loan to the Championship side. While nothing has been signed off yet, Crighton admitted the two clubs have been speaking for a while.
The timing would suit both sides. Queen’s Park are rebuilding under Crighton, who stepped up from the club’s B team in May after winning two reserve league titles on the bounce.
It wouldn’t be the first time Queen’s Park have taken players from Celtic. Dane Murray and Adam Montgomery both had loan spells at the club in recent seasons. If a formal link is agreed, it could open the door for more regular game time for Celtic’s top academy talent.
Crighton, who’s worked with youth players at Morton, Airdrie and Hamilton, is keen to build a squad that mixes young potential with experienced heads.
He said: (RecordSport), “It can certainly help. It’s been rumoured for a few months that we’ve been in talks with Celtic. Until it’s all finalised, we just don’t know.”
For Celtic, the Lowland League still offers a platform through the B team, but finding higher-level experience for certain players remains key. A loan spell in the Championship with a club focused on development could be the next step for several prospects.
Tonight’s friendly will offer a glimpse at how the two clubs might work together going forward, with both managers able to get a close look at emerging talent in a competitive setting.
