Ross Doohan is back in Glasgow’s east end, ready to embrace his second spell at Celtic with open arms.
Doohan, who came through the ranks at Lennoxtown, fills the vacancy left by Scott Bain’s departure. He joins a goalkeeping group now led by Danish veteran Kasper Schmeichel, with Finnish international Viljami Sinisalo also on the books.
While Doohan is unlikely to feature heavily in Brendan Rodgers’ plans this season, the move presents him with a valuable opportunity to develop under the guidance of top-level professionals.
Having watched Schmeichel operate at the highest levels of the game, Doohan is eager to absorb as much as he can from the experienced stopper.
The Scotland international also spoke highly of the goalkeeping coaches at the club, including Stevie Woods and Colin Meldrum, who he previously worked with during his formative years at Celtic.
He said: (TCW), “I’m buzzing about working with him because you’ve seen the level Kasper’s played at.
“To go in and train day in, day out with him, can only put myself in good stead and to try and pick up wee traits of his that could maybe benefit my game and put me, maybe step me on and make me that bit better. It’s the same with working with Vil.
“Obviously, he came in and played a few games towards the end of last season. You’ve seen the level he’s at, but I feel like any place I go, the goalkeepers I work with, I just try and pick up bits and pieces from them and add them into my game.
“I’m just buzzing about working with Woodsy [Stevie Woods] because they’re top goalie coaches, and even with Colin Meldrum as well, the youth goalie coach that I had here. I just can’t wait to get going.
“Kasper’s all-round game is great. The calmness he’s got with it. But like you said, with the ball at his feet, he’s different level, I think.
“So I’ll just try and pick up bits and pieces from every part of his game and try and implement it into mine if it can make me a better keeper. I’m looking forward to that.”
He arrives at a time when Celtic are reshaping their goalkeeping department following Bain’s exit. Schmeichel is firmly established as Rodgers’ first pick, but having a capable, homegrown backup like Doohan brings depth and continuity to the squad.
His attitude suggests a player who values growth over immediate minutes on the pitch, with a strong focus on learning from those around him. That mindset could serve both him and the club well over the course of the campaign.
If injuries or cup games open the door, Doohan will be ready. But in the meantime, he’s clearly relishing the chance to soak up the experience and sharpen his game behind the scenes.
