Beattie commits to Celtic
Promising young striker Craig Beattie has committed his future to Celtic after signing a three-year deal this afternoon.
The 19-year-old has attracted the attention of a host of clubs after scoring 30 goals for the youth and under-21 side.
But he revealed that it was always his aim to stay at Parkhead especially after a personal reassurance from O’Neill.
“I was delighted to agree a new deal,” smiled Beattie. “You hear various things and rumours and there were a few snippets in the papers about people being interested in me, but to be honest there was no way I wanted to leave a club like this.
“I think the only way you leave a club the size of Celtic is if you are told that you might not make the breakthrough.
“The manager spoke to me and told me that I was part of his plans and that in itself was a big boost for me, the fact that he took the time to have a chat with me and explain that I had a future here.
“I had also spoken to Willie McStay, my parents and my representative and they were all unanimous that whatever decision I reached had to be based purely on football and what I felt was the way forward in my career.
“I think this is definitely the right decision for me and I’m desperate to show what I can do.”
Beattie and Ross Wallace will travel to Sweden with the senior squad on Friday morning.
He has spent the last two mornings training with the first-team squad and he is determined to stay involved with the senior stars.
“The chance to go away on my first senior tour to Sweden is another great opportunity for me and I have to work to make the most of it,” he added.
“Last season I was involved with the first team at Wycombe Wanderers with a few of the other young lads which was a good experience, but I’d like to add to that this year.
“My team-mates and Willie McStay were pleased for me, as were my parents, and now it is a case of trying to improve my game and listening to the advice that I am given.
“I’m really looking forward to the new season and I am determined to keep on working hard.
“Last season I was playing regularly for the youth team and I also played some games for the under-21s and I want to keep it going now.
“I’m looking forward to working hard over the coming months and doing everything that I can to impress and try and make the breakthrough.”
