This may have been a season to forget for the regular first-team players at Celtic, but it was one where the young players began to thrive.
Hoops centre-back Stephen Welsh enjoyed a breakthrough season in the backline while Ismaila Soro really came to the party in the middle of the park.
That said, it has also been one of despair for a number of youngsters coming through the ranks at Parkhead.
Cameron Harper has already departed after a lack of senior minutes while Karamoko Dembele has only featured three times.
With chances few and far between for those in the reserves, Celtic have made use of the loan system.
The Bhoys have no fewer than 11 players from their colt’s side enjoying temporary stays elsewhere.
Leo Hjelde has made a big impact while on loan at Ross County, being compared to former Celtic star Virgil van Dijk. However, the player who’s made the biggest splash is Luca Connell.
The 20-year-old moved to Glasgow in 2019 as a teenager after breaking into the Bolton Wanderers first-team. Yet, since arriving in Scotland, he’s not managed to break into the matchday squad.
When the opportunity to go out on loan arose, he grasped it with both hands. Connell headed to Queen’s Park where he’s helped them to win League Two.
The midfield had a big say in that and on his way to earning a winner’s medal scored three goals and recorded five assists in 13 outings.
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Possessing relentless amounts of energy, the way he strides forward is particularly striking. Following a goal against Edinburgh just a few weeks ago, the commentator calling the action said he had a “wand of a left foot.”
It’s a big impression and one that the coaching staff at Paradise should be taking note of. After all, the impending exodus at Celtic should lead to players like Connell finally getting a chance.
Scott Brown is leaving for Aberdeen and consequently, Callum McGregor has been tipped to earn the captaincy. He is vastly experienced but his performances hardly merit the armband.
He has scored only four times all season and has been somewhat of a liability. McGregor was considerably off the pace in last weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Already on a yellow card, the Scotland international flew through Glen Kamara in the first half and was rightfully given his marching orders. McGregor was late, rash and fully deserving of the punishment the referee dished out.
Thankfully, Celtic supporters shouldn’t have to witness him in the middle of the park for too long. With Liam Shaw arriving this summer and Soro improving all the time, McGregor should be sweating over his place.
Add Connell into the equation too and the future of Celtic’s midfield looks a particularly promising one.
He can pass, tackle and have an impact going forward; what more could you want?
After his performances on loan in the end of this campaign, the young midfield general simply has to be given a chance by the new management team.