Celtic have agreed to send a young player on loan to assist a Scottish League One club in need.
The Hoops have approved an emergency loan for one of their B team regulars after head of academy Chris McCart and goalkeeping coach Colin Meldrum played key roles in facilitating the move.
Meldrum, in particular, would have been instrumental in the decision, as Inverness Caledonian Thistle reached out to Celtic seeking help to secure a goalkeeper following an international call-up.
Aidan Rice leaves Celtic for Inverness CT on emergency loan
Young goalkeeper Aidan Rice has joined Inverness CT for just over a week after the SPFL approved their emergency request to bring in a backup keeper. This move was necessitated by the call-up of their other goalkeeper, Musa Dibaga, to Gambia’s national squad.
Dibaga, who has made 29 appearances for Inverness this season, is a crucial part of Scott Kellacher’s side. When the 24-year-old learned he would be joining his country for matches against Kenya and Ivory Coast, Inverness acted swiftly to find a replacement.
Kellacher expressed his gratitude to Celtic’s staff for their cooperation, telling the Inverness Courier: “We’ve got young Aidan in for one match, which is ideal – Chris McCart and Colin Meldrum have been brilliant in helping us out.”
Aidan Rice’s Celtic B record this season in the Lowland League:
Matches played: 10
Goals conceded: 20
Clean sheets: 4
Yellow cards: 1
Red cards: 0
The coach also praised Rice’s performance in his first training session, adding: “The young kid came in today and trained, and did ever so well. It’s a big gap to fill because Musa has been brilliant.”
Rice has made 16 appearances for Celtic’s B team this season, with some of those coming in the Lowland League, where he has conceded 20 goals and kept four clean sheets.
He has also gained valuable experience in the UEFA Youth League, starting six matches and keeping two clean sheets in the competition.
The 18-year-old is set to make his Inverness debut when they face Alloa Athletic at home later today.