Celtic defender joins Partick Thistle on season-long loan

The 21-year-old, capped five times for Scotland at U21 level, participated in Brendan Rodgers’ side’s pre-season preparations.

McPherson was in Rodgers’ starting lineup for Celtic’s 3-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora in Portugal last month and the youngster also appeared in the 4-0 victory over Premier League side Newcastle United at Celtic Park in the inaugural adidas Trophy match.

Speaking to Partick Thistle’s official club website, Jags boss Mark Wilson was delighted to secure McPherson’s services. He said: “Ben is going to be an excellent addition to our squad here at Thistle. He fits in perfectly with the ethos we have here because of the energy and effort that he puts into the game, and, having come through at Celtic, he knows how to use the ball too.”

“Like Josh Clarke, it’s not his first loan at this level, so he’s got a good idea of what to expect from the Championship, but at the same time he doesn’t think he knows everything and is keen to keep learning and developing.”

During the 2023/24 season, McPherson spent that campaign on loan at Queen’s Park, making 26 appearances for The Spiders, contributing one assist.

Towards the end of his loan spell at Queens Park, McPherson sustained a severe ACL injury that sidelined him for most of last season.

He will now join up with his Hoops academy teammate Josh Clarke at Firhill. The young keeper had to watch on last Saturday as Wilson’s side suffered a 5-1 hammering to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on the opening week of the Championship season.

With former Celts Mark Wilson and Scott Brown at Ayr United signing Celtic’s academy players, there could be more on their way out to these two clubs before the window shuts at the start of next month.

Conor Spence