Dane Murray over JSP has certainly raised a few eyebrows

Young Dane Murray is a perfect example of not giving up on your dream, and his hard work and dedication have certainly paid off after forcing his way into Brendan Rodgers first team plans after an impressive pre-season and earning himself a new deal in the process.

Dane has made a couple of appearances this campaign, and scored his first goal for the club in the 4-1 Premier Sports League Cup win over Falkirk at Celtic park last month.

The former Scotland youth international could have been forgiven for thinking his chances would be limited after the loan signing of the highly rated Manchester City centre back Jahmai Simpson – Pusey, so more than a few eyebrows were raised when Dane was named in this weeks Europa league squad at the expense of the on loan City defender.

That in itself is a great confidence booster for the player who made his debut as an 18 year old under Ange Postecoglou in 2021 before a terrible run of injuries stalled his progress.

Sure the homegrown rule could have had a big say in his inclusion in the squad, but it’s reassuring to see a player who came through the youth ranks get his shot at a higher level. We do after all have a need to develop our own players, as opposed to someone else’s.

Manchester City might not be too happy with Brendan’d decision but the Celtic manager has selected his Europa League squad on merit and so far there’s been nothing in terms of first team football to judge Jahmai Simpson–Pusey on. Whereas with Dane Murray he has played, impressed, scored and earned his place in the squad on merit.

I for one applaud the Celtic manager’s decision.