Two forgotten Celtic loanees involved in European action

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·8 November 2024

Two forgotten Celtic loanees involved in European action

Two forgotten Celtic loanees featured in European competition last night for FC Twente and Shamrock Rovers…

Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke celebrate the victory in the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Feyenoord at Celtic Park on December 13, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Swedish centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke made a rare start for Eredivisie side FC Twente in the Dutch side’s 2-2 draw with Ligue 1 opposition Nice in the Europa League.

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The 24 year-old centre back who is out of favour with Brendan Rodgers has only featured five times since arriving on loan at FC Twente in the summer.

Despite impressively leading 2-0 in France, Lagerbielke and his teammates were culpable in allowing Nice to mount a comeback, which escalated in Jean Lardi’s side snatching a point.

In the context of the table, it is another sore result for Joseph Oosting’s men who languish outside the crucial top 24 places. FC Twente currently sit 27th in the new revamped Europa League format. Ironically, FC Twente have drawn three of their four matches in their campaign so far which included a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford with Manchester United.

Shamrock Rovers v The New Saints – UEFA Europa Conference League – League Stage – Tallaght Stadium Shamrock Rovers Johnny Kenny right celebrates scoring their side s first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa Conference League match at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. Thursday November 7, 2024. Photo Brian Lawless

Meanwhile, Jonny Kenny who lasted 78 minutes in Shamrock Rovers’ 2-1 victory over Cymru Premier opponents The New Saints. Kenny was on the scoresheet once again for Shamrock Rovers in the Europa Conference League yesterday evening.

Adding to his headed finish against Larne in Shamrock Rovers’ previous European encounter, Kenny’s excellent strike versus TNS stretches his goal tally to two in the Conference League.

The League of Ireland side are currently positioned in a respectable 7th spot on seven points after three matches which will be enough for Shamrock Rovers to advance to at least the knockout play-off round.

Possibly, a top eight finish awaits which would see automatic last 16 football. Tougher tests against Rapid Wien and Chelsea lie ahead for the Irishmen, but Kenny’s performances will be one to keep an eye on.

A reminder that Kenny, unlike Lagerbielke, were signed by Ange Postecoglou. The 21 year-old forward made the switch from Sligo Rovers in January 2022 signing a five-year contract with the Scottish champions.

Conor Spence