Celtic B team skipper Mitchell Robertson is on course to join Livingston ahead of next season.
The young defender, who is currently gaining senior experience on loan at League One promotion contenders Inverness Caledonian Thistle, has reportedly agreed terms with the struggling West Lothian side.
A report from the Daily Record claims Robertson will stay in the Highlands until the end of the campaign to continue his development, before linking up with David Martindale’s squad in the summer. The 20 year old centre back knows he must move on from Parkhead to secure regular first team football after captaining Celtic’s youth side in the Lowland League last season.
Pathways into the senior Celtic squad remain narrow, but Robertson has flourished since his switch to Caley Thistle, becoming a reliable starter following his move north last summer. Celtic are said to have negotiated future add ons as part of the deal with Livingston, allowing the defender to settle his long term plans and focus on progressing his career.
Livingston are currently battling to avoid relegation, trailing Kilmarnock and St Mirren by four and eight points respectively.
Reflecting on his decision to join Inverness on his first senior loan, Robertson said he was excited by the opportunity and felt the club shared strong ambitions. He added that discussions with the manager convinced him the move was right and that he was eager to get started.
Elsewhere, Celtic have brought academy right back Aodhan Taylor back from his loan at East Stirlingshire. The 17 year old made nine appearances and scored once, with Shire keen to keep him for the remainder of the season.
While the reason for his recall has not been explained, Taylor is one of several youngsters sent out on loan this term. Jude Bonnar and Kyle Ure have picked up valuable minutes at Ayr United under Scott Brown, while Ben McPherson and Josh Clarke have featured in Partick Thistle’s promotion bid. Goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi has also made an impact, establishing himself as Kilmarnock’s first choice after initially arriving on an emergency loan in October.