Celtic youngster Joe Thomson believes he might need to go out on loan to gain first-team action next season.

It was announced yesterday that the 18-year-old has signed a new two year contract to stay at Celtic Park until 2018, but Thomson was not included in Brendan Rodgers' pre-season plans in Slovenia.

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Talking to Celtic's official website, Thomson said thinks he may have to look for first-team opportunities away from the Scottish champions after playing a crucial part in Celtic's development squad's unbeaten campaign last season:

"I was pleased to get offered the deal and I have to now keep my feet on the ground, keep focused and not get ahead of myself then just show people why I’ve been offered the deal and then kick-on. First and foremost I need to try to get the manager’s eye in training and take it from there. It remains to be seen if I need to go on loan or not to do that but I’ll just give 100 per cent in every session and game."

Thomson made his senior debut as a second half substitute against Dundee United in Celtic's 3–1 league win last August under previous manager Ronny Deila, but is yet to be given any further first-team opportunities.

He is hopeful that Rodgers' reputation for bringing through youth players from the academy at previous clubs will help him get more chances:

"The manager started out as a youth coach and worked his way up so he’s someone who knows what it’s like to work with younger players and he’ll give all of us good advice, feedback and tell us what we need to make it. Hopefully he’ll give myself and a few other lads a chance."

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