Oh Danny Bhoy – Kelly of Celtic, not Kelly of Leverkusen but Kelly of Millwall

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The Celtic Star

·13 August 2024

Oh Danny Bhoy – Kelly of Celtic, not Kelly of Leverkusen but Kelly of Millwall

Celtic youngster Daniel Kelly is set to sign for English Championship side Millwall when his contract expires in January.

Daniel Kelly of Celtic vies with Stuart Knight of Buckie Thistl during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Last season, Millwall finished 13th in the English Championship. Although they would be hoping for a better showing this season, the Lions failed to win their opening game, leaving more to be desired from their performance.

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They now look to Kelly to boost their squad, according to a report in Daily Record. The 18-year-old has rejected multiple contract offers from the Scottish Champions and as a result Brendan Rodgers has frozen him out of the first team as a result.

: Daniel Kelly of Celtic is seen during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Despite making appearances in elite competitions like the Champions League last season and impressing, he has been left to play his football in the Lowland League until his contract runs up at the end of the year.

Rodgers spoke about the player last month, saying: “Daniel has been offered a really, really good contract. A contract that would see him come into the first-team squad and play and perform and develop.

“I spoke with the agents and player some months back to say if we can’t tidy this up by summer, then it’s very hard to be with the team in pre-season.”

28th February 2024 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership Football, Celtic versus Dundee Daniel Kelly of Celtic shoots and scores for 7-0. Photo ActionPlus David Young

Kelly caught the eye in the Hoops last season when Brendan Rodgers gave him a chance, even managing to net his first senior goal on his debut in a 7-1 victory over Dundee at Paradise.

The impressive performances saw him garner interest from around Europe, with Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen reportedly keeping track of the midfielder.

There was hope that he would sign a new contract, especially with him being a Celtic fan, but his time with the Celts seems to be all but over.

Daniel Kelly celebrates scoring Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 28 February 2024 Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

Rocco Vata left Celtic last month to sign for Watford, who like Millwall are lower level English Championship outfits. There must be logic in there somewhere, especially since both players are Celtic supporters themselves.

Leaving to join Bayer Leverkusen could be understood, chasing the dream and all that, but heading to Millwall in Kelly’s case is baffling to say the least, especially as Brendan Rodgers had given him plenty of minutes last season with more to come had he signed the contract with Celtic.

Daniel Kelly of Celtic speaks with Brendan Rodgers, Celtic v Dundee, Cinch Scottish Premiershi , Celtic Park, – 28 February 2024. Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

But as with Rocco, it’s Daniel’s decision, it’s his career and he has to do what he thinks is the right thing for him. Best of luck to him at Millwall. Hopefully he’ll give 100% for the Celtic B team until his Celtic contract ends at the end of the year.