David Mckay

Throughout this season, the Celtic View will be getting to know some of the players coming through the Celtic Academy, and who are determined to try and progress all the way to the first-team…

THE prestige of Celtic’s Youth Academy attracts up-and-coming talent from all over the country. Born and bred in Lennoxtown, David McKay grew up just down the road from the club’s world-famous training facility.

After joining the Hoops at Under-8 level, the left-back has since progressed through the ranks – ultimately signing his first professional contract with the champions in July of last year, aged 16-years-old.

Having been part of the Under-17 squad that swept aside city rivals Rangers 4-0 in the Glasgow Cup final of 2016, McKay suffered a cruciate ligament injury a few weeks later. Complications have side-lined the young defender since, but he is keenly eyeing a return to training before the end of the year.

“I’m still in rehab just now, so I’m focused on getting back playing and getting some minutes on the pitch,” said McKay. “I first injured my left cruciate ligament in May 2016, and have had a few setbacks since. I’ve been out for quite a long time now, but I’m hoping to be back training in the next couple of weeks.”

In his downtime, McKay enjoys grabbing food with friends and is a keen FIFA player. Despite the hype, he tells the Celtic View he’s not much of a Fortnite player, but admits the champions’ inclusion in the latest iteration of FIFA-rival Pro Evolution Soccer – fully-licensed this year, including Celtic Park for the first time – is an interesting prospect.