Celtic 'very keen' on Finn Harps trialist Gavin McAteer...

According to reports in his home country, Celtic has invited a Republic of Ireland U17 international to a trial at

Lennoxtown this week.

Gavin McAteer, a 16-year-old midfielder for the Finn Harps, is in Glasgow for four days, but he will return to

Donegal on Friday night for his team’s match against Athlone Town.

Although the Scottish Premiership champions have shown interest in the young player, McAteer has already had a

trial with Nottingham Forest of the English Premier League.

Kevin McHugh, a former Finn Harps player and current manager, told local media that McAteer’s trial with Brendan

Rodgers’ team was going well. “Celtic are very keen to throw their hat in the ring,” McHugh stated in an interview

with Donegal Live. So far, the indications have been positive. He’s getting on very well.”

This season, McAteer has made 10 appearances for Finn Harps in the First Division, the second tier of football in

Ireland. Becoming the club’s youngest ever senior player at the age of 15 last season, the midfielder has made 26

appearances for his side, contributing two assists in the process.

In February, he earned his Ireland U17 debut after substituting in during a 3-0 loss to Finland. He then made his

second appearance, helping the team overcome Iceland 5-0.

When McAteer’s trial with Nottingham Forest took place last October, he scored in their U21 team’s 6-1 victory.

On Saturday, May 10, Celtic will host Hibernian, and on Wednesday, they will travel to Pittodrie to play Aberdeen.

They will then play St Mirren before facing Aberdeen one more, this time in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, May

24, at Hampden.

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