Noel Whelan has been wowed by Celtic youngster Owen Moffat due to his commitment behind the scenes at Parkhead.
The Lowdown: Moffat impresses in Celtic friendly
Looking ahead to 2021/22, Hoops fans up and down the country will be intrigued to see how Ange Postecoglou goes about obtaining a successful winning formula as they look to bring the Premiership title to Parkhead this term.
Acquiring high-profile players could be a key component towards achieving this aim, although blooding talented prospects could also be high up on the Aussie’s agenda.
Former Aberdeen striker Whelan has been impressed by 19-year-old Moffat recently, especially after he scored in a 3-1 pre-season friendly triumph for the Celts against Sheffield Wednesday last week [Daily Record].
He has also gained recognition from Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor, who labelled the attacking midfielder as “first-class” during a recent discussion with Celtic TV.
The Latest: Whelan praises 'fantastic' Moffat for work ethic
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan did not hold back in his praise for Moffat and his work ethic, stating:
“There are new eyes on all players. The one thing that senior players always see, because we’ve been there ourselves when you’re coming through as a young player, you need to put the time and the yards in.
“It’s as simple as that. Sometimes it means you’re doing it by yourself. Taking 40 balls out there with you, hitting the back of the net.
“Repetition, getting sharper, showing you’re willing to put that extra yard in when other people have gone home.
“The best players in the world never got to where they got to by not doing that little bit extra. Pushing themselves that little bit further.
“It won’t go unseen. It certainly hasn’t gone from McGregor, who is going to be one of the biggest players there this season. He’s one of the main leaders in that team.
“To get recognition from a senior player is always fantastic to hear.
“To get on the scoresheet as well, when our player looks at how it went last season for the club, he’s obviously seen an opportunity. Hopefully, he’s going to grasp that."
The Verdict: Moffat should be given more chances to show what he can do
Whelan rightly points out the sacrifices that are needed in order to be a first team player at a club like Celtic. Whether on the training pitch or on a matchday, nothing less than 100% application is required in order to make it to the top.
Moffat is yet to make his competitive debut for Celtic, although he has gained some first team exposure as he has been reported to have partaken in senior Hoops training since April [67 Hail Hail].
He earned rave reviews for his all-round performance against Sheffield Wednesday, whilst he also put in an impressive cameo display against Charlton last Saturday [Glasgow Times].
Capable of playing behind the striker or on the right wing, he seems to be a player that could add a different dimension to Celtic this season if given regular opportunities.
In other news, Celtic are interested in this Ligue 1 right-back.