Exclusive: Celtic 'very keen' on Finn Harps teen Gavin McAteer

Celtic are said to be “very keen” on Finn Harps youngster Gavin McAteer.

The Milford native is on trial at Celtic this week and the 16-year-old will return to Harps ahead of Friday night’s First Division game against Athlone Town at Finn Park.

McAteer, a Republic of Ireland under-17 international, has previously been on trial at Nottingham Forest, who brought the player back to the club for a second look.

Now, Celtic are taking a look at the Harps number 10.

“Gavin was at Forest and got on exceptionally well and Celtic now are very keen to throw their hat in the ring,” Harps manager Kevin McHugh told Donegal Live.

“He has gone for four days. He’ll be back in Donegal ahead of our training on Thursday night for the Athlone game on Friday.

“The signs so far have been good. He’s getting on very well.”

McAteer has played 10 times for Harps this season in the First Division. Last year, he featured 16 times for the senior team

When McAteer played against Kerry last May, he became the youngest ever player to feature in a league fixture for the club. 

Earlier this year, he made his debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-17s and will be aiming to secure a place on the squad for the U17 World Cup in Qatar in November.

McHugh said: “We’re happy as a club to let Gavin go over to Celtic for the four days. That is the level of the player we have here where top clubs are showing a keen interest in him.

“There will be players like Gavin who stand out. He is performing at a high level and players in his position really attract attention. I’m not a bit surprised that clubs are looking at him.

“It’s also a result of what we are doing as a club over the last couple of years. We are looking to promote players from the academy to the first team, which is the whole reason for having an academy in the first place and then there will be players like Gavin who will be noticed.”

Read next: First Irish vest for Oisin Ó Gailín as Brendan Boyce chosen for race walk return

Last year, McAteer and Harps goalkeeper Oisin Cooney were on trial at Nottingham Forest with Cooney also spending time at Ipswich Town and Newcastle United while Aaron McLaughlin has been at Stoke City.