Hibernian have signed highly rated Irish youth international Richie Towell on loan from Celtic, and he may find himself thrown straight into the deep end for tonight's SPL clash with Rangers.
Dublin born Towell has been a regular on the Celtic bench this season and made his debut in a 2-2 draw with Inverness in November. The former Crumlin United player can operate in defence or midfield and has been signed until the end of the current season.
"I want to make an impact in the team and help Hibernian climb up the table," said the 19-year-old. "It would be brilliant to make my debut against Rangers. Games don't come any bigger than that. The time with Hibernian will be massive for my development. I trained for the first time with the squad and everything is really positive."
Hibs manager Colin Calderwood said: "Richie caught our attention when we played against Celtic in a bounce match. He will help to freshen up our squad and will be a good addition between now and the end of the season."
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has predicted more first-team action for young Irish international Richie Towell after his impressive debut for the Bhoys last weekend.
Dublin born Towell came off the bench to make his first competitive appearance for Celtic in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Lennon hopes to see Towell in the side more often.
"I thought Richie did great against Inverness," Lennon said. "I thought he was one of the bright sparks of the day. He had an abundance of energy, was good at winning the ball back and passed well throughout.
"He was also involved in Paddy McCourt's goal, which was our second. He has no reason to be critical of himself because he did exactly what we asked him to do and he can feel proud of himself.
"I would like to think that he would be involved more and more as the season progresses. We have been pretty pleased with how he has done in the last year. His level of performance has been consistent.
"We have a few players out at the moment and that maybe helped him get his chance at the weekend but, regardless of that, I am sure he will feature more and more as the season progresses."
Speaking after his impressive debut Towell said: "It was brilliant hearing the crowd's reaction and being in the middle of it all. It's what I've always dreamed of.
"It's been frustrating sitting on the bench all season and that's why I was so delighted to come on.
"I just want to show that I can compete at this level and hopefully the gaffer will give me another chance because I don't like sitting on the bench - I want to play every week.
"I thought the fans reacted well to me and I was pleased with how I did when I came on. I kept the ball and then I won the tackle for Paddy's [McCourt] goal so they were all cheering for that."
Ireland Under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey has announced his squad for the upcoming Four Nations tournament, which will be held in Dublin and Bray on September 5th, 6th and 8th.
Ireland will compete against Turkey, Holland and Portugal in the Four Nations Tournament.
Ireland Under-19 squad
Ger Hanley Galway United
Ciaran Gallagher Finn Harps
Richie Towell Celtic
Rob Kiernan Watford
Gavin Gunning Tranmere Rovers (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)
Mark O’Brien Derby County
Greg Cunningham Manchester City
Shane McEleney Derry City
Stephen McDonnell Celtic
Conor Henderson Arsenal
Conor Clifford Chelsea
Conor Hourihane Sunderland
Gearoid Morrissey Blackburn Rovers
Aaron Doran Blackburn Rovers
Robbie Brady Manchester United
Patrick McEleney Sunderland
Ronan Murray Ipswich Town
Joe Mason Plymouth Argyle
Jamil Adam Barnsley
