'Celtic have been phenomenal,' rival Premiership boss praises Hoops

That potential move follows recent activity elsewhere, with Celtic opting to bring defender Stephen Welsh back early from his loan stint at Motherwell after a string of impressive performances.

However, not every loan arrangement has delivered the same outcome. Another Celtic defender placed with Livingston earlier in the campaign has endured a more difficult period despite making a bright initial impression.

Life has been challenging for Martindale’s side this season, with the West Lothian outfit currently on eight points at the bottom of the table.

Their campaign suffered a setback when Adam Montgomery – who had featured in every league fixture up to that point – sustained an injury during their October trip to Easter Road.

Celtic have since moved to terminate his loan spell, a decision that frees up financial flexibility for Livingston to source a replacement.

David Martindale welcomed the gesture and was keen to acknowledge Celtic’s cooperation during his press conference.

Martindale said via his Livi TV: “It’s bad news with Adam. He’s been re-injured and that’s probably his season over. He’s been at Celtic doing his rehab and coming here a day a week to keep him in and around the group.”

“But he’s suffered a setback and it’s a very similar injury to the one he picked up at Easter Road that put him out in the first place.”

“There are two or three muscles within the calf impacted and I’m gutted for him. He was fantastic for us, but Celtic have been phenomenal and it’s a massive thank you to Shaun Maloney, Stephen McManus and Chris McCart.”

“He’ll probably be out another 16 weeks, but they have agreed to terminate the agreement. That has freed up the finances for us to go and find something else. They didn’t have to do that and that shows the class of Celtic.”

Martindale’s men face Premiership side St Mirren in the fourth-round of the Scottish Cup this afternoon.

Conor Spence

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