Celtic FC trial for Belfast teen after stellar season for Cliftonville

A Belfast teenager is set to go on trial with Celtic later this summer. Shay Reid will travel to Glasgow next month for a week-long camp with the Scottish club's academy.

It is reward for the youngster's stellar season with Cliftonville, in which Reid bagged an incredible 36 goals for the Reds' Under 16 and 18 sides.

The 15-year-old, who attends St Colm's High School in Twinbrook, will train with Celtic's U18 squad and play in a friendly match. And later in the month he is set to play at the SuperCupNI youth football tournament as part of County Down's team.

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The Glasgow trip is the latest stellar moment for Reid who has excelled over the past 12 months.

His 36-goal haul included 27 for Cliftonville's U16s, with Reid finishing the season as the league's top goalscorer. He also bagged another nine goals for the U18s after he was promoted to the older age group.

Reid also lifted the NIBFA Cup with Cliftonville U16s after beating Glenavon 3-0 in the final. He provided assists for all three goals.

The squad went on to win the all-Ireland final 4-1, making it two trophies during the season.

He also travelled to Estonia with Northern Ireland's Under 16 squad earlier this year and played in three international games.

Reid is on the radar of several clubs, including Scottish side Hibernian who were keen to bring the teenager over on trial earlier this year.

The 15-year-old will now travel to Celtic next month for a week's trial starting on July 7. During the trip he will also play in a pre-season match on July 12, which his family have been invited to attend.

Cliftonville head of academy Marc Smyth recently told Belfast Live of the wealth of talent currently at the North Belfast club, including Reid.

Smyth said in April: "We have three other boys going over to Hibs - Ollie McCart, Oisin Gamble and Owen Mahoney. We also have Shay Reid going to Celtic in the coming weeks and Eamonn Tohill who is going to Derby. So we have six or seven players heading across the water.

"It is testament to the boys and the way they have performed for us, and also the attitude they have towards their football. Talent only gets you so far, but you need that hunger and desire, and a will to succeed, and all these boys have it.

"It is also great recognition for Cliftonville Football Club. We love working with these kids and hopefully they have bright futures ahead of them."

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