Sean McArdle made his competitive first-team debut for Celtic on this afternoon as the Hoops ran out 3–1 winners over Hibernian at Celtic Park. It was a proud moment for the 17-year-old midfielder, who replaced Arne Engels in the 85th minute, stepping onto the pitch to a warm reception from the home support.
McArdle didn’t have much time to make a big impact, but he slotted in well during his short time on the park. Calm on the ball and tidy in possession, the youngster helped the team see out the result in a professional manner. His appearance may have been brief, but it was an important milestone in what many hope will be a long and successful Celtic career.
Huge moment for 17-year-old Sean McArdle 👏🍀 pic.twitter.com/U9MO9SHIWl
— The Bhoys Page (@TheBhoysPage) May 10, 2025
The teenager has been working away quietly in the background, impressing with the B team throughout the season. He signed his first professional contract with the club back in October 2023 and has clearly caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff. McArdle has been named on the bench a number of times in recent weeks, and this latest step into the action shows that he’s making progress and gaining trust within the squad.
What stands out about McArdle is his composure. Even at such a young age, he looks assured and confident on the pitch. Celtic fans always enjoy seeing one of their own coming through the ranks, and there’s something special about watching an academy player pull on the famous shirt for the first time at Celtic Park.
With the league title wrapped up and a Scottish Cup final still to come, McArdle might get more minutes over the next fortnight. But his introduction against Hibs was a reminder of the talent coming through the Celtic youth system.
