Ross Doohan is back at Celtic. The goalkeeper has signed a three-year deal with the Hoops where he spent a number of years as a youth player.
After leaving in 2022 to get more game time, Doohan returns a more experienced and confident player, ready to take on a new challenge.
The 27-year-old left Celtic three years ago in search of regular football. He had loan spells in Scotland and England before making a permanent move. His most recent stint at Aberdeen showed how much he had grown.
When Mitov was injured, Doohan stepped in and performed well, even earning a Scotland call-up. Earlier this month, he kept a clean sheet in a 4-0 win against Liechtenstein, his first international cap.
Brendan Rodgers has welcomed him back, saying Doohan is a talented goalkeeper with the right mindset. He’s expected to be third choice behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo, but he’s not just there to sit on the bench. Rodgers believes he can push hard and improve the level of competition in the squad.
Doohan’s return also helps Celtic in Europe. UEFA rules require clubs to include players trained at the club in their squads. Doohan fits that category perfectly.
He knows the club, the expectations, and the demands of playing for Celtic, and he’ll give the goalkeeping group more depth heading into a long season.
He said: (TCW), “The phone call with my agent lasted two minutes, just general chat for a minute. Then he just asked the question, would I be interested in coming back?
“I think I answered yeah before he even finished the question. So that’s how it really came about, and as soon as I heard that I was just eager to get it done as soon as possible.
“Coming back was always the dream, to come back here and play and be part of the club again. When I left, it was to get game time, experience, and mature as an individual.“
Doohan knows he’s not the main man right now, but he isn’t fazed by that. At Aberdeen, he proved he could step up when called upon. His time in England also gave him a different kind of challenge, and those experiences have shaped the player he is today.
Celtic’s goalkeeper depth has improved this summer. Kasper Schmeichel has huge experience, Viljami Sinisalo is full of promise, and now Doohan adds depth and reliability. He’s been at Lennoxtown before, he knows the club, and he’s ready to work hard every day.
The club also benefits off the pitch. Having a homegrown player like Doohan back helps with squad rules for European games. It shows Celtic are thinking about more than just the next match, they’re planning for the season ahead and beyond.
This move also shows young players that leaving Celtic doesn’t mean the door is closed. If you go out, work hard, and improve, there’s always a chance to return. Doohan did just that.
Celtic now have three keepers with different styles and strengths. It gives Rodgers options and creates good competition in training. Doohan’s dream was always to come back. Now he’s back, and he’s got the chance to prove he belongs.
