THOMSON LOOKS TO FUTURE

CELTIC have offered exciting 19-year-old midfielder Joe Thomson a new contract, but the youngster may have to quit the Hoops to get some game time.

He was part of the Scotland Under-19 squad that bowed out of the Euro Elite Round in Croatia this week after a win against Bulgaria, which followed defeats to Belgium and the hosts.

Thomson, who made his Hoops first team debut as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice in August, said: “Celtic have a lot of midfielders, which everyone knows. However, you can’t give up or lose hope.

“It may be that I need to go out on loan to get first team football. I definitely need to be playing at that level, so, hopefully, someone will take a chance on me.

“Of course, it’s not hard to stay motivated, not when you’re at Celtic. You never know where hard work can take you. You have to give your all in training every day. You need to win the right to do anything at Celtic. It’s Scotland’s biggest club, with the best players, so nothing’s handed to you. It’s a step up when you work with the first team, but I really enjoy it.

“The manager, Ronny Deila, and John Collins watch the Under-20s play every week and that gives those games an added edge. They’ve even taken the team on a few occasions, which means you can never drop off or allow your standards to slip. They’re taking an interest, which all the lads appreciate.

“The manager is understanding and he cares about the players as individuals. He respects what you want and if I decided the best thing for me was to go out on loan then I’m sure he would support that.

“The final decision would, rightly, be his. I’d sit down with him and talk it through.”