Celtic eye Dundee United striker Owen Stirton as Cummings replacement

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The Celtic Star

·12 March 2025

Celtic eye Dundee United striker Owen Stirton as Cummings replacement

Celtic scouts watched Dundee United’s Owen Stirton in action last weekend, according to a report in the National…

Dundee United confirmed on 25 January 2025 that Academy graduate Owen Stirton has penned a contract extension which will see him remain with the Terrors until at least the summer of 2027. Photo Dundee Utd FC

Reports suggest that Tosh McKinlay was present to watch the Montrose striker in action. The 18-year-old, currently on loan at the Scottish League One side with six goals in eight matches, first played for United in September 2023 and has featured eight times under Jim Goodwin.

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Stirton scored on his Dundee United debut

Stirton netted his first and only goal for United’s senior team in a 3-0 victory against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership last September. The forward completed the full match for Montrose in Saturday’s goalless draw versus Charlie Mulgrew’s Kelty Hearts, as Celtic scouts watched from the stands.

Dundee United confirmed on 25 January 2025 that Academy graduate Owen Stirton has penned a contract extension which will see him remain with the Terrors until at least the summer of 2027. Photo Dundee Utd FC

Stirton is tied to a contract at Tannadice until the summer of 2027 after signing a new contract at the start of this year, before moving out on loan to Montrose. According to the report, Celtic are keeping an eye on Stirton as they prepare for Daniel Cummings’ departure when his contract expires in June.

Stirton had this to say to the official Dundee United website about signing his new contract after emerging as a star in the Dundee United Academy side.

Stirton is a self confessed die-hard Dundee United fan

“I’m delighted to get this over the line, I always knew this was where my future lay as a die-hard United fan! The club have given me so many great opportunities to showcase my talents, and I’m pleased I’ve been able to make the most of them. It’s been the perfect place to develop my skills and I can’t thank all my coaches and teammates enough.

“It was a dream come true to score my first goal here at Tannadice, and I’m ready to keep working hard for more incredible moments like that.”

Daniel Cummings, Arne Engels and Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic, applauds the fans after the team’s defeat during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Stirton could be a ready-made replacement for Cummings

The Celtic youngster is set to join West Ham United this summer once his contract at Lennoxtown expires. The Hoops are exploring options to replace Cummings, with Stirton emerging as a potential prime candidate.

Meanwhile, Celtic are also keeping tabs on Airdrieonians twins Dylan and Cole Williams. Whether the Hoops will make a move for the brothers remains to be seen, but their interest is definitely visible.

Conor Spence