Why Jude Bonnar wants to follow Celtic captain’s example

Celtic youngster Jude Bonnar has revealed that he wants to emulate club captain Callum McGregor. The young midfielder made his debut in the 5-1 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park in February and has been catching the manager’s eye with some outstanding performances for the Celtic’s B Team.

Jude Bonnar made his Celtic debut against Aberdeen 

Brendan Rodgers promoted Bonnar to the first team picture at Lennoxtown so he can weigh up the talented youngster’s strengths and weaknesses. With Paulo Bernardo having picked up an injury, the manager decided to put Bonnar on in the closing stages of the demolition of Jimmy Thelin’s Dons.

Speaking after the game to Celtic TV, Bonnar revealed that he watches McGregor as he looks to become a regular first team player at the club after getting a taste of first team action.

“In terms of who I look up to, I just watch the captain (McGregor) all the time and see what he does every day. All the Celtic players are top athletes and being around them every day makes me want to be like them. It was a dream come true to get on the pitch for Celtic. It was brilliant. I know I have to keep doing what I am doing and work hard and see where it takes me.”

Bonnar has been outstanding in the Lowland League for the Celtic B Team 

Bonnar has scored 5 goals and assisted once in 20 appearances in the Lowland League as Stephen McManus’ side sit in second. The 19-year-old is highly-rated and is expected to continue his upward trajectory.

The midfield berths at Celtic are highly competitive but Bonnar will want to prove that he is more than a one-hit wonder and can force himself into consideration in the first team.

Calmac at Notts County alongside Jack Grealish

Callum McGregor too had to bide his time, going away to Notts County before breaking through under Ronny Deila. The Celtic skipper has enjoyed a remarkable career for Celtic and will, along with James Forrest , Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston, highlight the pathway from the youth teams to the first team.

Kieran Tierney, who will return from Arsenal this summer, will also be an excellent example for the youth players coming through and maybe in a few years we’ll be talking about Jude Bonnar and the great example he’s setting for the next wave of Celtic Academy prospects.

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