Celtic may not be able to buy or sell players now that the transfer window has closed, but that hasn’t stopped the club from engaging in some clever manoeuvres.
Brendan Rodgers has been busy ensuring that two of his promising young talents get the chance to gain valuable first-team experience.
Ben Summers and Matthew Anderson, both products of the Celtic academy, have secured loan moves to Austria’s second tier with Admira Wacker.
This partnership has been in the making, with Admira Wacker seeking to use their connections to Celtic to strengthen their squad.
The Austrian club’s sporting director, Peter Stoger, was full of praise for the young players, clearly delighted to bring them into the fold.
“Matthew and Ben are two highly talented players who have been able to gain high-level experience at a young age,” Stoger said on Admira Wacker’s official website.
“Matthew has already shown us what’s in it last season, and we’re happy to have him back with us. Ben brings a breath of fresh air in the offensive midfield and will give us new opportunities in the design of the game.
“We are convinced that both players will take our team significantly further this season.”
Ben Summers and Matthew Anderson’s Celtic futures:
It’s a significant opportunity for Summers and Anderson to not only impress in Austria but also to show Rodgers they have what it takes to make their mark back at Celtic.
While Admira Wacker are delighted with their new recruits, there are pressing decisions for the Celtic boss regarding the players’ futures. Both are entering the final year of their contracts, and the next 12 months could be crucial for their careers at Celtic Park.
Ben Summers, who is now 20, is embarking on his second loan spell after spending last season at Dunfermline. The midfielder played a part in helping the club adjust to life in the Scottish Championship.
With only two senior appearances for Celtic under his belt, this season will be a pivotal one for him, giving him the chance to prove he has the quality to feature regularly for Rodgers’ side.
Meanwhile, Matthew Anderson, also 20, returns to Admira Wacker for a second stint. The Scotland U21 international made 22 appearances for the Austrian club last season, helping them to a respectable fifth-place finish.
He impressed during Celtic’s US tour this summer, particularly in a friendly against Manchester City, and will be looking to build on that as he aims to stake his claim for a future role as Celtic’s left-back.
Both players now have the chance to showcase their talents abroad, with the added incentive of proving themselves to Rodgers ahead of next season.