Davie Hay’s grandson Vincent Angelini would welcome Celtic return

The goalkeeper was among a number of promising youngsters to swap Celtic for the Premier League in 2021, later going on to have spells with Brentford and a move to Saudi Arabia.

He eventually made his first senior appearance at the age of 22 last season, featuring for Norwegian second-tier side FK Jerv.

Angelini – the grandson of former Celtic great Davie Hay – has followed a notably unconventional career path since leaving the Hoops.

Speaking via The National, Angelini said: “I grew up Celtic daft. I started at the boys’ club section and I was an outfielder, but then I got switched to goalkeeper. I used to be a midfielder or a right-back but then as soon as I got to Celtic, they were like, ‘get your gloves on!”

“My Grandad used to take me every week to Barrowfield. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he would come and pick me up, and he says it’s like a whole new world now, it’s completely changed. He says when I come home, he’s going to take me over and show me, so I’m looking forward to that.”

“At the Celtic Academy at first it was not so professional because we were still kids. You’re going to Barrowfield two, three times a week, you’re meeting up with the lads, you’re carrying on and having a laugh.”

Angelini added: “When you hit the St. Ninian’s school program though that’s when it kicks in. I enjoyed my time at the St.
Ninian’s school program as well.”

“It starts making you a bit more mature and then when you take the step out of your exams and go straight into professional football it’s a big shock and a big hit.”

“They used to have pictures in the school of the players that had gone through the program and become a professional footballer for Celtic or made their debut. I used to always picture myself as one of them.”

“Things worked out differently and I’ve gone through a different path, but it would have been a dream. Celtic is in the blood, so I definitely want to go back one day.”

Angelini’s departure came during a period that saw several young Celtic prospects move on in the 2021–22 campaign, although Bosun Lawal arrived at the club around the same time.

Goalkeeper Rory Mahady – who had attracted interest from big English sides – chose a switch to Leeds United where he remains part of the setup.

Defender Leo Hjelde also headed to Elland Road despite spending time training with the first team in the early stages of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure, and is now on loan at Sheffield United from Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Ben Doak completed a move to Liverpool at the end of that season, making ten senior appearances before securing a transfer to Bournemouth in a deal that could rise to £25 million.

Conor Spence