Celtic’s recruitment has been widely praised in recent years, underpinned by a series of well-judged signings and effective squad management.
While the club’s transfer strategy faced scrutiny during a turbulent period last season, patience has since been rewarded.
Brendan Rodgers, now firmly settled back in the Parkhead hotseat, is overseeing success on both the domestic front and in the Champions League.
From the emergence of Nicolas Kuhn to the reliable contributions of Alistair Johnston, Celtic’s ability to identify and develop talent has been a cornerstone of their progress.
Just as importantly, the club has excelled in handling player departures, securing impressive fees while finding adequate replacements.
Matt O’Riley’s summer move to Brighton is a case in point. Celtic were reluctant to let the playmaker leave but negotiated a record-breaking transfer fee that reflected his value. However, there remains one player who got away—a young talent whose departure still stings.
Ally McCoist Compares Ben Doak to Jude Bellingham
Celtic’s former youth product, Ben Doak, is now thriving on the international stage with Scotland, making waves with his dynamic performances.
Despite Ange Postecoglou giving him his first-team debut, Doak opted to join Liverpool when the Premier League giants came calling. At just 19, it was a bold decision, but it’s one that has paid off, as he is now being likened to some of football’s brightest stars.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Scotland legend Ally McCoist compared Doak’s impact to that of Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham, praising the teenager’s fearlessness and raw talent.
“It has worked both ways,” McCoist said of Doak’s development during a loan spell in the Championship. “He has benefited, plus the national team have benefited like you have no idea.
“Back in the Euros, we were attempting to get any level of width from Anthony Ralston on the right-hand side. I think it was Robbo on the left-hand side. As good as they are, and they are good, going forward it’s just a different level if you have a winger, an out-and-out player, who has something different.
“He has been the real success story for me in the last few games. We don’t want to put too much pressure, particularly on the young lads. But he has been fabulous. Pace. Outstanding potential.
“I am not going to compare him to Jude Bellingham, but I am comparing him to Jude Bellingham in the sense that he plays with a freedom. When Bellingham first came onto the scene, he was fearless and loving everything about it. And Ben Doak seems to be in that place.”
Doak’s Stats Against Poland
Doak’s rise was again evident in Scotland’s recent UEFA Nations League clash against Poland, a must-win game to keep Steve Clarke’s side in contention.
While the match will be remembered for Andy Robertson’s dramatic stoppage-time winner, Doak played a key role, building a strong partnership on the right flank with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston.
Following his standout display against Croatia, Doak continued to impress in Warsaw, earning a WhoScored rating of 7.32.
His energy, pace, and creativity added a new dimension to Scotland’s attack, underlining his growing importance to the national team.
Though Celtic fans can take pride in his progress, Doak’s departure serves as a reminder of what might have been. With his fearless style and boundless potential, he is destined for great things, much to the admiration—and regret—of those at Parkhead.