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CELTIC youngsters Michael Gardyne and Gary Irvine have signed season-long loan deals with Scottish First Division side Ross County.
Gardyne, 20, and Irvine, 21, agreed moves with County boss Scott Leitch's yesterday and look set to spend the season playing in the Highlands.
Fellow Hoops starlet Charlie Mulgrew had a productive loan spell with Dundee United last term and the young Celts hope they can enjoy similar success up north.
Full-back Irvine (above) said: "I'm delighted to get this chance and when I spoke to Charlie he told me to go for it. He said he really enjoyed playing first-team football for United.
“He was all for me coming here and hopefully I'll get the same sort of benefits. County have a good set-up and I'm really looking forward to the new season.”
Gardyne, an attacking midfielder, added: "Charlie did really well and my aim is to make the most of this opportunity. I want to play every week and get as much experience under my belt as possible."
County boss Leitch believes his new signings should use this opportunity to play themselves into Gordon Strachan’s long-term plans.
He said: "This is a great chance for the two boys to show Gordon Strachan what they can do. We're building for the future and looking to strengthen the squad all the time
(from celticfc.net)Gardyne, 20, and Irvine, 21, agreed moves with County boss Scott Leitch's yesterday and look set to spend the season playing in the Highlands.
Fellow Hoops starlet Charlie Mulgrew had a productive loan spell with Dundee United last term and the young Celts hope they can enjoy similar success up north.
Full-back Irvine (above) said: "I'm delighted to get this chance and when I spoke to Charlie he told me to go for it. He said he really enjoyed playing first-team football for United.
“He was all for me coming here and hopefully I'll get the same sort of benefits. County have a good set-up and I'm really looking forward to the new season.”
Gardyne, an attacking midfielder, added: "Charlie did really well and my aim is to make the most of this opportunity. I want to play every week and get as much experience under my belt as possible."
County boss Leitch believes his new signings should use this opportunity to play themselves into Gordon Strachan’s long-term plans.
He said: "This is a great chance for the two boys to show Gordon Strachan what they can do. We're building for the future and looking to strengthen the squad all the time
great to have the youth players playing first team football at a competitive level and although the first division lacks quality its a tough league which will strengthen the players. worked well for Mulgrew so hopefully this can speed up the transition from youth to first team