Daniel signs for Celtic
EK kid puts pen to paper to play with the champions
Celtic have signed highly-rated Calderwood teenager Daniel Kelly on a pre-professional contract after interest from a host of big clubs.
The 14-year-old had attracted interest from sides at home and abroad, with English Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Leicester among those showing an interest, alongside Portuguese champions Benfica.
The News revealed last month that the Hoops were set to offer the midfielder a bumper long-term deal to persuade him to stay in Glasgow.
And former East Kilbride Caledonian Thistle star Kelly has signed a four-year contract that will keep him at Parkhead until 2024.
His dad Craig said: “We are absolutely delighted for Daniel signing a pre-professional contract with Celtic keeping him at the club until 2024.
“Thank you for all the kind words and well wishes everyone. Daniel and the family are absolutely delighted.
“Lots of work ahead for sure, but Daniel knows it!.
“Despite all the interest from England and Europe, he wanted to be fully committed to Celtic, having been there for the last five years.”
The former St Leonards Primary School pupil first caught the eye of Celtic playing above his age group for EK Caledonian Thistle’s 2004 team.
He is now on the successful St Ninian’s High School programme that helped bring Kieran Tierney and Mikey Johnston to prominence at Parkhead.
Kelly, who turns 15 in October, has been tracked by some of Europe’s elite clubs for almost two years, but will now focus on pushing towards the top level with Celtic.