BEST SIGNING EVER;Celtics finally signed permanent contract with their dream international striker

Even though Celtic is still chasing a treble, planning for next season and beyond doesn’t stop.

Celtic’s recruitment team will undoubtedly be looking for players to strengthen the Hoops’ first-team squad as well as looking to develop the B team.

Brendan Rodgers has watched a raft of youngsters leave Celtic to go and progress their careers elsewhere as well as established players like Kyogo Furuhashi make their Parkhead exit.

However, it’s a youth international youngster who seems to have caught the Celtic scouts’ eye and his current manager has spoken out about the speculation.

Celtic’s pursuit of Owen Stirton leaves Montrose manager ‘delighted’

Celtic’s interest in Owen Stirton first came to light last week after reports suggested that Brendan Rodgers was having the young Dundee United starlet scouted.

However, it’s the Montrose manager, Stuart Petrie, who has broken his silence since the rumours first came to light.

Petrie told The Courier [print edition page 53], “All Owen wants to do is be a footballer, I reckon he’ll take it all in his stride.

“It’s never easy when you are linked with big clubs but I’m sure he’ll be looked after by his family members and the coaching staff at Dundee United.

It just shows you what people think of his talent if he’s being linked with other clubs – I’ve got no doubt he will go on to have a very successful career.

“He came here to get a platform to show what he can do on a regular Saturday basis – he’s doing great and we’re delighted with him.”

Stirton is currently on loan at Montrose where the 18-year-old striker has netted six goals in nine appearances. He has also been capped and scored at Scotland U17 level in his debut against Kazakhstan.

Owen Stirton’s goal-scoring form this season that sparked Celtic’s interest