Trialists

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Here is a non-definitive list of players who have had trials with Celtic, and the matches that they played in. A good number of trialists came, trialled and were taken on by the club. Only a brief entry of their appearance will be found here but a link will take you to that player’s Biography page..

Ayrton Inacio and Marco Di Sousa Marco Di Sousa, Ayrton Inacio, Jorge Farah and Fernando Consul

There were actually four Brazilians on trial at Celtic, in September 1965. Although only two, Ayrton Inacio and Marco Di Sousa, played in the reserves. The two others, Jorge Farah and Fernando Consul, played in practice games. Although all four only stayed a short time at Celtic, Inacio later went on to a French side and then turned out with Clydebank in August 1967. Inacio finally returned to Portugal where he had settled with his family in February 1968
Hugh Whyte, Triallist, 1972, goalkeeper Hugh Whyte

At a time when Celtic were going through real problems with the goalkeepers at the club Hugh Whyte was invited from Hurlford United to play effectively a trial with a Celtic XI in a Challenge match against Hamilton Academicals, managed at the time by Ronnie Simpson, in August 1972. He eventually joined Hibernian before moving to Dunfermline, where he eventually became the club doctor. Died 9 November 2009.

Geir Karlsen Geir Karlsen

In September 1972 Celtic played Rosenborg in the first round of the European Cup. In the first leg at Celtic Park on 13 September 1972 was a young goalkeeper, Geir Karlsen, who performed extremely well but was unfortunate to break his ankle. He came to Celtic in October that year, once the break was healed as a trialist and eventually went to Dunfermline.

Ronnie Lowrie Ronnie Lowrie

At the start of the 1972-73 season Celtic gave a trial to a young 16 year-old goalkeeper who was causing quite a stir in the Junior ranks with St. Roch’s. They didn’t proceed, but Lowrie went on to have a career with senior clubs, including Rangers as a part-time professional (1975-79) and then joined Alloa in 1984 (still considered one of their best ever keepers) via another stint in the Juniors. Joined Partick Thistle in 1991, before going on to manage in the Juniors with Pollok Juniors and Maryhill United.

Jim 'Chang' Smith Jim ‘Chang’ Smith, Jim McMahon, Hilary Carlyle

September – December 1975

These three players all had trials at Celtic Park at the start of 1975 in different circumstances.

Jim ‘Chang’ Smith, a left-sided midfield / attacker, had played in at least two of the pre-season games in Ireland against Celtic. He was invited to trail at the start of the season and came ‘for at least two months’. He played in some Reserve games in September but was not seen in October.

Jim McMahon was a 16 year-old centre half with Annbank Utd. At 6ft, he had been attracting attention from Celtic, Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock. He came for a trial and played in the Reserves in November.

Hilary Carlyle was the fruit of one of Sean Fallon’s scouting trips to Ireland. A striker with Finn Harps he was invited over for a trial in later November / December and played in the Centennary game against Birmingham City where he was described as ‘anonymous’.

Jimmy Smith Jimmy Smith

Celtic had tried to buy Jimmy Smith, a ball playing winger, twice before – once when he was at Aberdeen and then once he had made the move to Newcastle United. In February, Celtic were in need of rejuvenation.He came on-loan and as a trialist for a month. There were doubts as to his fitness as he had not played a game in the ’75-’76 season and had had three cartilage operations. He arrived at Celtic Park on the day of the European game against FC Sachsenring Zwickau, in March 1976,having had some second thoughts about joining Celtic. He played in one Reserve game against Dundee Reserves with new signing Johnny Doyle and was listed in the squad for the game away at Dundee for the first team. But he picked up another knee injury in the Reserve game and promptly returned to Newcastle.

Dieter Knepper, German Trialist 1977 Dieter Knepper

Knepper was a West German striker who had been recommended to the club some time in 1977. He was out of the Borussia Dortmund youth set up but was released by the German club and found a place playing in Switzerland with the Second Division side Chiasso. When Celtic went to Austria to play their secong leg Second Round tie against SVV Innsbruck on 2nd November 1977, Knepper returned with the Celtic party. He played in a hastily arranged friendly against Hamilton Accieslater that month.

Gerry Collins Gerry Collins

Centre forward from the Highlands was given a trial in the Testimonial game against Forfar Athletic on 30 October 1978. He was not taken on but went on to play for Stranraer, Albion Rovers, Ayr Utd, Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle between 1979 and 1991 before moving over to coaching and briefly into management with Falkirk and Partick Thistle often teaming up with John Lambie. He subsequently managed Junior side Glenafton before retiring in 2007.
Kevin Bremner Kevin Bremner

Trialist from the North East in the same game as Gerry Collins (above) on 31 October 1978. Not taken on he had a long career south of the border and back again in the Highland League with brief spell at Dundee.


Anton RoganDeclan RocheMark Smith Anton Rogan, Declan Roche, Mark Smith

All on trial in season 1985-86 and were subsequently offered contracts by the club.
  Allan Campbell

FAI Internationalist given a trial in August 1987, in an attempt to strengthen the strike force. Not given a contract.
Stevie Quigg

An attacking midfielder/striker from Largs Thistle, given a trial in October 1989. Played in a few matches as a trialist in Reserve League West with the Youths. Not taken on. Likely to have been part of Giffnock North Amateur Athletic Club.
John Harkes John Harkes

US international midfielder from Kearny, New Jersey. Was on trial with Celtic in 1990, before eventually joining Sheffield Wednesday in October 1990.
Alex Banbury Alex Bunbury (bottom row, far right)

Bunbury came to Celtic as a trialist in February 1992 as a 24-year-old. Canadian international from Montreal. A Canadian international since the age of 18 he had over 20 caps at that time. He’d played with Hamilton Steelers, Toronto Blizzard and Montreal and came on for a 2-week trial period after being with Le Havre for 3 weeks. Graham Rix the coach there put him onto Liam Brady hence the trial at a period when Brady desperately sought a striker. The Club were certainly interested in him and he did well but there were problems getting a work permit and the interest was dropped.

He subsequently had a trial with Wimbledon then signed for West Ham and played with them thru 92/93 before departing to Maritimo in the Madeira Islands between 93 – 00. He then returned to the USA with Kansas City Wizards in the MLS before retiring in 2000 due to an ankle injury. Since his retirement he has worked as a youth team coach and currently works for Bangu FC in Minnesota.

Alex is still Marítimo’s all-time leading goalscorer with 59 goals in 165 games during his time at the club. He is also the Canadian national team’s third leading all-time scorer with 17 goals and its fifth leading all-time cap winner with 64 as of June 17, 2008.

Vaughan Coveny Vaughan Coveny

New Zealand trialist who had been playing for Miramar Ranger of Wellington, New Zealand; came to the attention of Celtic after the Friendly game against a New Zealand XI in February 1992; was asked to stay on for a trial; was last seen in the area qualifier for New Zealand against Australia in June ’01; subsequently played for South Melbourne
Rudi Vata Rudi Vata

Brought on the pre-season tour to Ireland in July 1992 after impressing Brady in the Ireland v. Albania WC qualifier on 26 May 1992. Had been banned by FIFA after defecting from his communist homeland, then broke his leg at one of the French clubs he trained with. Signed for Celtic on 14 August 1992.

Mike O’Brien

21-year-old Dubliner invited to try out on the pre-season tour in Ireland in July 1992; younger brother of Liam O’Brien from Newcastle United.; had been released by Luton Town after long time out with injuries; trial arranged thru his brother and Mick Martin. Not taken up.
Shane Mulholland

Dual-code footballer from Newry. Starred for Co. Down as well as Glenavon, Newry Town and Cliftonville. Born in 1976 he reportedly trialled with Celtic as a 17-year-old in 1993.
Robert Casey Robert Casey

A prolific striker with Portadown, the 20-year-old from Newry came for a week’s trial on invitation in January 1993 when the weather was so bad that he didn’t get a game – just a week’s training with the first team. In 2006-07 he was playing for Lisburn Distillery.
Paul Byrne Paul Byrne

Came for a three day trial from 29 March 1993 and training with the team; Republic U21; originally from Dublin; the trial went successfully and negotiations began immediately to bring him to Parkhead, the transfer fee being in the area of £70,000. However the immediate transfer was delayed due to Bangor’s involvement in Irish competitions. He was signed in time to join the team on the end of season trip to Jersey and played in the Friendly there.

Leighton O'Brien Leighton O’Brien

Attacking midfielder; son of Fran O’Brien, ex-Derby County and late of Vancouver Whitecaps. Mate of Brady’s given a few games as Trialist with the under-18’s on 11 August 1993 against Airdrie. Spent much of his career at Seattle Sounders. Had a spell in Sweden with Bodens BK in season 2003/04.
Brad Friedel Brad Friedel (back row, far right)

Had a trial under Liam Brady in August 1993. But the bold Liam felt he was no better than Bonner or Gordon Marshall; had been at Nottingham Forest on trial the previous season and known by goalkeeping coach Corrigan who rated him. Played for the Reserves in a Closed door friendly against Clyde on 16 August 1993.

Hossam Hassan Hossam Hassan

Scored 4 goals in the Neuchatel Xamax match against Celtic in a UEFA Cup tie in 1991. He was released at the end of the season so where does he go for a trial? Celtic, of course, in December 1993. He was Egyptian if I recall correctly, and never got a work permit. Came from Al Ahly (Cairo) for a 10-day trial invited by Macari; had been released by Neuchatel in summer ’92; poss work permit restriction though despite record number of caps/goals for Egypt.

Jason Bowen Jason Bowen

Welsh left-winger tracked by Macari for some time and available at around £500,000. He came and trained for a week in May 1994, but Swansea refused permission for him to play in the Mark Hughes testimonial, in the face of interest from other clubs. He eventually joined Birmingham for £275,000 in 1995, then on to Reading, Cardiff, Newport County and Llanelli.

Gary Holt Gary Holt (front row, 3rd from left)

Holt was plucked from footballing obscurity when serving as a soldier in Germany. Signed by Lou Macari for Celtic in 1993, he failed to make any first team appearances and moved on to Stoke where the same occurred again

Justin Whittle Justin Whittle (back row, 2nd from left)

Macari followed up a recommendation he had received from Pat Crerand, who had been impressed by a couple of lads he’d seen in an army cup final in Moenchengladbach. Justin Whittle and Gary Holt were invited to join the squad as trialists for a trip to Canada, and were subsequently given contracts.

Chic Charnley Chic Charnley

Lifetime Celtic supporter playing with Partick Thistle given the chance to don the Hoops in the Mark Hughes Testimonial against Manchester United at the end of the 1993/94 season. There was talk of him being lined up as a permanent signing which came to nothing.
Mark Beardshaw

Young Irish trialist from Cherry Orchard; came over from the Dublin club as a trialist on or just before the tie-up with Cherry Orchard as a nursery club in November 1994 and played as ‘trialist’ with the CBC under-16s.
Declan Boyle Declan Boyle

Defender from Sligo Rovers; signed in November 1994.
Uche Okafor Uche Okafor

Unattached Nigerian centre half who had previously played with Mechelen, Hanover, ACB Lagos. Spotted playing for Nigeria against England in ’94 and invited for a trial in November when it was discovered he was out of contract. 37 caps for Nigeria. Went on to play for Kansas City Chiefs and was a football coach in Texas, USA. Committed suicide on 7 January 2011.
Hans Van Arum Hans van Arum

Striker trialist from Willem II in Holland formerly of Vitesse Arnhem; came on a two week trial in November 1994. Whilst on trial Dutch-derived rumours on his lack of ability started to surface. Though released by Willem II to play in Ian Rush’s Testimonial, but 3 hours before kick off the Dutch FA refused to release him and after a week’s trial he returned to Holland; however it was hoped to call him back later for a further trial. He returned to Holland and continued playing with sub top level teams like FC Eindhoven and Go Ahead Eagles.
  Bolaji Douglas

Another unattached Nigerian defender with 14 international caps at the time; invited for a trial and left after 1 week in December 1994; the restrictions to signing the Nigerians were down to work permits and player registrations. He returned to continue playing in Nigeria.

Jerry Jerry de Jong

Right sided defender who had been playing for Caen in the French league; Dutch national who had won three international caps whilst at PSV. Brought over to trial in September 1995 after being out of contract with Caen of the French second division where his wife was unable to settle. Appeared to be a considered professional and was at the Club on trial for a week but lost out after the signing of Jackie McNamara. Burns was impressed with his attitude but after 2 practice matches and 1 Reserve game he returned to Holland with FC Eindhoven. He played in the Reserves game against Rangers. (Rather more famous now is his son, Nigel de Jong of Man City).
Jorge Amaral
Jorge Amaral

Portugese International. Born in Mozambique the Portugese midfielder was brought to Celtic as a trialist in October 1996by Tommy Burns; friend of Jorge Cadete and had the same agent as him in Paulo Barbosa. Had played for Benfica and Sporting Lisbon where he met and played with Cadete; first invited in mid-October after a trial at Leeds Utd; Burns desperately wanted to strengthen the midfield having lost both Paul McStay and Phil O’Donnell to serious injuries early in the season. After 2 days trial it was thought that he would be signed as he was out of contract and available immediately however other options were being investigated.

Amaral continued to train with the first team and other things began to emerge. His agent stated he had 26 Portugese caps but these turned out to be with youth team and furthermore it transpired that his contract was held by Benfica, though they had agreed to release him if desired, and that the previous season had been spent with the little known Portugese side Figueiras. Once his registration was cleared he played a few Reserve games but picked up a foot injury which stopped a public appearance in early November. He finally got to play in the Friendly against an under-strength Barcelona side at Celtic Park on 26th November coming on as a second half substitute. By 1st December he had left the club and returned to Portugal, Burns deciding he was no better than what he already had to work with.

Subsequently he played for Belenenses in January ’97, then Vitoria Setubal and CD Santa Clara in 99/00.
Between August and November 2006 he managed Hong Kong club South China before he was sacked.

Giuseppe Fornaciari Giuseppe Fornaciari

Unattached Italian defender; known to Paolo di Canio; invited for 2 week trial in November 1996; previously with Foggia for 2 years before dropping down to Serie B club of Avellino in 1994; out of contract with them and a potential Bosman. Left after a Reserve game against Hearts in early December; Subsequently was playing for the side SPAL Ferrara in January ’97 and Corsican side Puteo (Pozzu) in season 02/03.
Yann Dobo Yann Dobo

19-year-old midfielder previously with Monaco spent a fortnight training with the Reserves from July 1997 onwards but was eventually released by the management team as he showed no greater promise than others in the Reserve side. Went on to play for Angers and US Creteil.
Szabolcs Safar Szabolcs Sáfár

22-year-old goalkeeper from Vasas Budapest; came from being on trial with Everton in July 1997. 6ft 3″ Hungarian international (9 caps) and PotY the previous season in Hungary brought to Celtic on a weeks trial with the problems in the GK department; there was some doubt as to what his contractual position in Hungary was which no doubt put a dampener on the situation; unable to get a game arranged and left after a weeks training. He subsequently played for Austria Salzburg, Spartak, Moscow and currently with Austria Vienna.
Jonathan Douglas Jonathan Douglas

FAI youth midfielder and minor county GAA player from Monaghan given a series of extended trials through season 97-98. Previously w Clones Town, Monaghan United and Largy Coll. Part of squad for French youth tourny April 98. Offered terms but got a better offer from Blackburn Rovers. Was on the substitute bench for Blackburn when Celtic beat them in the UEFA Cup. Missed season 2001-02 after knee surgery. Loaned to Chesterfield, Blackpool, Gillingham. Under-21 Ireland caps and full debut 28.4.04. Regular with Leeds United 2005-09. 2009-10 alongside Simon Ferry in Swindon midfield. Eight caps for Ireland.

Argentine Trialists brought over by Eric Black in 1978
Back: Horacio Capiello (coach), Martin Gomez, Pablo dos Reis, Pablo Modica, Eric Black
Front: Miguel Manzoni, Gaston Piaquadio, Martin Figueroa, Graham Diamond
Martin Gomez
Pablo dos Reis
Pablo Mondica
Miguel Manzoni
Gaston Piaquadio
Martin (Marl) Figueroa

Six Argentinians brought over by Eric Black along with coach Argentina under-21 Horacio Capiello in January 1998, after Black’s scouting trip to South America. All played in arranged games behind closed door games (at least 1 -v- Ayr Utd. on 22/1/98) as well as training with the Reserves for the month. All had Italian or Spanish parentage so it was thought there would be no problems over work permits. Claimed that none of them would cost more than £200k. They were all released and went on to Manchester City for a further month when it was determined that none of them offered any more than the young players already at the Club. Subsequently dos Reis, Gomez and Mondica were offered a 1 year deal for 98/99 by St Johnstone after being on trial in Feb/March and all rejected the offers. Non of them can be traced subsequently (?)
Alessandro Sanna and Andrea Capone

Marco Cortani (pictured, left)

Young Italian midfielder taken on trial for 2 week in July 1998. Was on Roma’s books but his contract had expired so was a free agent. Contracted. See Players Who Never Played a Game

Alessandro Sanna (pictured, right)

Young Italian taken on trial for 2 week in July 1998. Had played for the Serie C side Viterbese prior to the trial. See Players Who Never Played a Game

Babis Stefanidis Babis Stefanidis

Came from Sweden on a 10-day trial towards the end of November 1998. RMF / RW; Swedish nationality but Greek parents. Out of contract and available on a free. Swedish U18 international. Came after a trial with PAOK Thessalonika and Iraklis. Went on to play for Djurgårdens IF, Brondby, Helsingborg and currently plays for Malmo.
Kim Ekroos Kim Ekroos

18-year-old Finnish goalkeeper (dob 5/8/81) who was plying his trade with Strasbourg U19’s came on trial for a week in April 1999 – enough to get the newspapers interest. Not taken on; subsequently returned to France till 2005 without making a first team game and then returned to Finland with FF Jaro (2005) and KaaPo (2006)

Milen Petkov Milen Petkov

Speedy Bulgarian international midfielder who pitched up alongside Stiliyan Petrov for a period of training in June 1999 and a view to a possible £5m double deal. Dalglish soon claimed Celtic only wanted Petrov; Stan’s autobiography says it was Petkov who “didn’t fancy it”. He moved on to a long, injury-hit spell in Greece and returned to Bulgaria with Cherno More Varna in ’08 where he continues.
Jochen Kientz, Pre season Friendly -v- Aalborg, 1999 Jochen Kientz

Trialist centre-half out of contract at 1860 Munich. He went on the pre-season tour to Norway in July 1999 and played in all the matches there before receiving a rejection slip. Subsequently was picked up by SV Hamburg for a season before going on to St. Pauli till 2002 then onto Hansa Rostock
Moses Sichone Moses Sichone

Powerful Zambian central defender came on trial for a week in July 1999 and deemed not worth the effort. Subsequently went to Germany.
Stephane Bonnes Stephane Bonnes

Signed by John Barnes on 29 July 1999, but never played a first-team game.


Paul Bradshaw

Young midfielder/defender then with Brora Rangers but ex-Ross County and had had trials with a lot of clubs down south; came on a week’s trial in October 1999 during which time he played in a closed door match against Falkirk (won 6-2); then went back to Brora before coming back again to play for the under-21’s against Rangers and Aberdeen. Tabloids suggested he was claiming disability benefit during the trial! Wasn’t offered a contract and rejoined Brora Rangers; subsequently joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle for one month in season ’01, before joining Forres Mechanics and going AWOL.
Miguel Basualdo and Osvaldo Morales Miguel Basualdo and Osvaldo Morales

Argentine trialists who arrived in 1999. Neither were offered contracts.

Rubio Oscar Rubio

A central defender from Deportivo La Coruna;was wanted on-loan for the rest of the season and after a dispute over ownership of the player’s contract between Deportivo and Real Madrid was sorted the player was free to come on trial and keen to move. He was rated as a £3 million player. Came for a week in November 1999 and had gone by the 26th being deemed not worthy. He returned to Deportivo. Subsequently went to Logrones, Toledo and Farense before heading back to Scotland to join Livingston.

Gerald Baticle Gérald Baticle

30-year-old attacking midfielder / forward from Auxerre; Sought after defeat and knock out to Lyon then defeat to Rangers in the first Old Firm game of the season. Was keen to come after losing his place at Auxerre to Guivarc’h and was wanted on loan. Came supposedly for a 1 month loan / trial period on 17 November 1999; there was immediately a problem as it might mean him being ineligible to return to French football for a further 2 months so he stayed 2 weeks only. Now retired, he went on to play for Metz, Troyes and Le Havre. Scored against Rangers, as Strasbourg eliminated them from the UEFA Cup (after they’d already been eliminated in the Champions League qualifiers) in 1997.
Nicolas Ouedec Nicolas Ouédec

John Barnes brought Ouedec over when Larsson got injured. French internationalist in his day, but without a club at the time in January 2000.

28 year-old striker. After negotiations with Nantes came on trial for a week in January. Had fallen out of favour at Montpelier and they were prepared to let him go for around £1mill. Was offered a 3 1/2 year contract allegedly but returned home as his wife would not move to Scotland. He returned to Montpellier after a week. Played on with Montpellier before going to Dalian Shide in China in 2002 then returning to play for La Louviere in Belgium.

Fernando De Ornelas Fernando De Ornelas

Set up by his agent, Ian Wright, for a training spell at Parkhead for 10 days in January 2000. Played against Bayern Munich in the Friendly and on the basis of that and the training spell won a contract to the end of the season.
Josip Skoko Josip Skoko

Australian/Croatian with a good attitude and reputaion; captain of Hadjuk Split was out of contract there at the end of the season and the Croats were trying to cash in before he walked on a Bosman. Barnes wanted to see him in a trial match which his agent Mandic didn’t want. He left without trialing in February 2000. Aussie mate of Viduka’s. Subsequently went to Genk in Belgium and signed for them on 9/2/00; also went on to Gencerbigili, Wigan and Stoke City, then returned to Hajduk Split.
Bryan SmithAlan Young Bryan Smith (pictured, left) and Alan Young (pictured, right)

Young centre-half and midfielder; Swindon youth players recommended to the club and given a week’s trial in April 2000. Not picked up and stayed with Swindon till end of 2001/02 season then released 1 July 2002.

Jason McAteer Jason McAteer

Not strictly a trialist, McAteer guested for Celtic in Ronnie Moran’s testimonial at Anfield, in May 2000. He was a Blackburn Rovers player at the time and had previously played for Liverpool. Although Liverpool-born, he was a full Republic of Ireland internationalist.

Christian Dailly Christian Dailly

Also not strictly a trialist, but guested too for Celtic in Ronnie Moran’s testimonial at Anfield, in May 2000 – along with Blackburn Rovers team-mate Jason McAteer. Helped Celtic out on the night due to injuries and lack of available first-team players. Would eventually tarnish his helping out of the club by later joining the manky mob across the city.

Kevin McKenna Kevin McKenna

Had been with Energie Cottbus in Germany but was out of contract there. From a firm Celtic-supporting Canadian family. After a week’s trial in July 2001, he went to Hearts who signed him. The 21-year-old Canadian international had previously had trials with Everton. He currently plays back in Germany with FC Koln

Thomas Hitzlsperger Thomas Hitzlsperger

Played with us in a friendly on the German tour in Martin O’Neill’s first season in July 2000, in which we turned over a collection of diddy teams. Apparently Martin O’Neill didn’t fancy him…

Came for a two week trial and went on the Scandinavian and German tour. Did well in the FCK game but poorly against the Leipzig side; left and went on trial with Aston Villa and taken on by them before joining Stuttgart. A full German international.

Kolkka Joonas Kolkka

Finnish international Joonas Kolkka was touted to be the first summer signing for Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. The PSV Eindhoven winger joined the Parkhead side at their pre-season training camp at Bisham Abbey, Buckinghamshire in July 2001. He failed to be signed despite good reports and was later picked up by Panathinaikos and has since played for Borussia Monchengladback, Crystal Palace, Den Haag and Feyenoord.

Kevin Heenan Kevin Heenan

Arbroath winger Kevin Heenan was offered a week’s trial with Celtic after continuing his previous season’s good form at the beginning of that campaign. The 19-year-old arrived at Celtic Park for a week in August 2001 for the chance to impress Martin O’Neill. Later had his contract cancelled at Arbroath when he slept in and missed a game. Went on to play amateur stuff in the Dundee area.

Lord-Kangana Lord-Kangana

Congo-born defender Lord-Kangana has also had offers from Aston Villa and West Ham United, as well as a trial at Rennes. But the Sweden Under-18 cap is set to return to Celtic Park following a successful trial period with the Scottish Premier League champions (April 2002). Signed for Bolton in 2003 but never made it and loaned out to Oldham and Rochdale. Later turned out for Montrose and ran the gamut of English non-League diddy teams.

Must have impressed Chris Sutton who brought him out of mothballs in November 2009, handing him a trial with Lincoln City. Debuted in a bounce game against Villa reserves 17.11.09. He had last played for AFC Liverpool several months previously.

Kevin Francks Kevin Francks

Belgian midfielder Kevin Francks has begun a 10-day trial at Celtic in August 2002 in a bid to win a permanent switch from Real Madrid. It will be the third time the 20-year-old has trained at Parkhead having had two trial spells last season. The former Ghent playmaker joined Real Madrid two years ago but has found first-team opportunities difficult to come by. He told Celtic’s official website: “I am here for 10 days and in that time I hope to win a contract. Francks played for a Celtic XI in a charity game against Fife junior side Steelend Vics on Wednesday night. injured knee in firendly v Coldstream 6/8/02. On the 24/8/02 Celtic drop their interest in Franks. Moved on to various lower division Belgian teams – Eendracht Aalst in 08/09.
Hubert Auer Hubert Auer

Goalkeeper trialist from Austria Vienna. Here as a trialist for 1 game at the same time as Franks (August 2002). Still playing in Austria for Josko Ried.
Scott Shearer - GK Trialist - 2002 Scott Shearer

Young Goalkeeper trialist from Albion Rovers. Came three times on trial around October 2002. Also spent time training with Everton, Sunderland & Bolton; said to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Coventry. Was with Coventry then Bristol Rovers and currently plays for Wycombe Wanderers having been signed by Paul Lambert whilst he was manager there.

Stan Varga Stanislav Varga

Agreed a deal to sign off the last 18 months of his contract at Sunderland on 29 January 2003; said he had a deal to go to Bolton, but came on trial with Celtic in February 2003; after a week’s trial was signed on a short term deal in February 2003 to the end of the season subject to a work permit. This was awarded but then his registration was held up by the English FA.
Milan Rapaic Milan Rapaic

Unattached 28-year-old Croatian internationalist; had his contract with Fenerbahce cancelled by mutual consent; on 10 February 2003 Celtic dropped their interest following a week’s trial with concerns about his fitness level. Then claimed Liverpool wanted him before on 12 February 2003 signing an 18-month contract with Hadjuk Split. Went on to score a hatful of goals for the Croatian national side and with Standard Liege.

Sandy Wood Sandy Wood

Young goalkeeper from Montrose; given a contract on 11 March 2003.
Ivan De La Pena Ivan De la Peña

Ivan de la Pena was a very classy central midfield player who arrived on trial at Celtic on 1 September 2003. Known as the Little Buddha when he started his career with Barcelona, he was sold to Lazio and never cut it there and with financial woes there he went on season-long loans to Marseille, then back to Barcelona. The previous season he had been at Espanyol but was out of contract there. He was also in talks with Benfica during the time he was on trial at Celtic but turned down the move there. He left Celtic for talks in Qatar to play there despite being invited to stay on for further training. He said he wanted a firm deal before returning and when this was not forthcoming he went to Madrid and Barcelona. Espanyol offered him a full time contract and he went on to have his most productive spell of football with the less famous side of Barcelona helping them to the final of the UEFA Cup in 2007 (losing to Seville on penalties at Hampden Park) and making a belated debut for the Spanish national team in February 2005.

Dani Dani

Portugese with 11 caps; started with Sporting and loaned to West Ham; sold to Ajax and spent the previous 2 years with Atletico Madrid. Invited to train with the team, and played in two bounce games. Departed officially on 23 September 2003 when both parties were unable to reach an arrangement. Ended up playing the season with Real Zaragoza.

Danny Milosevic Danny Milosevic

Australian Olympic goalkeeper and Leeds’ forgotten man, 25, brought in as potential cover for Magnus Hedman who was agitating to get away. Signed a nominal £1-per-week deal on 28 January 2004 to beat the deadline by 15 minutes but failed to agree full terms and declined to join the squad – despite the possibility of playing against Barcelona in the UEFA Cup (teenage David Marshall played instead, following Rab Douglas’ suspension for a red card in the previous leg).
Jamil Walker Jamil Walker

22-year-old striker with San Jose Earthquakes; he had just signed on for another year with the MLS team but came over here on a trial in January 2004 following a change of direction for SJE – they were going Spanish-Mexican. Sent back after a week. Went to DC United but fell out of favour and ended up in the second rate ‘A-League’.
Patrick Collins Patrick Collins

England under-19 centre-back. Spent time training with the club in April 2004 after being told that his contract would not be renewed at Sunderland. Had been tipped to break into the Sunderland squad that season and was involved in pre-season first-team games. Eventually joined Sheffield Wednesday, before being released by Darlington in 2008.
Marcio Amoroso Marcio Amoroso

Brazilian Marcio Amoroso arrived for trial at Celtic in May 2004. Martin O’Neill was said to be keen to have another look at the striker. The former Borussia Dortmund star arrived in Glasgow and trained with the Scottish champions, but the jury remained out on him as he had had a serious falling out with Dortmund when he refused to return to Germany from Brazil following a serious knee injury in Sept 2003. A big name signing in the past having transferred to Parma for £18m and Borussia for £15.8m. Eventually joined Malaga, and even a very brief spell at Milan, before joining a host of other clubs including Aris Thessaloniki.

Ramon Calliste Ramon Calliste

Ramon Calliste was a Welsh 18-year-old. He had been at Cardiff schoolboys and been snapped up by the Manchester United Academy. Due to an Academy reorganisation one team was scrapped – it happened to be Ramon’s team. He trialled with various teams in the summer of 2004 and was invited on the under-19 trip to the Jersey Youth International Tournament in August 2004 by Celtic. No contract was offered.

He eventually landed on his feet at the Liverpool Academy but they released him in June 2006. He was with Scunthorpe Utd for season 2006-07 but had injuries and was released at the end of the season. He later trialled unsuccessfully with Wycombe Wanderers. In September 2008, he joined Cambridge City.


Charles-Edouard Coridon Charles-Edouard Coridon

Came on a trial for a few days in August 2004 and played against Spurs in a friendly on 10 August 2004. Rated at £2m with still a year to go on his contract at Lens. Former French under-21 internationalist from Martinique; kept hanging around until Juninho was signed (as a fall back position) then left for a week’s trial with Blackburn Rovers to only sign for Paris St Germain on the deadline to Champions League signings.

Went on to Ankaragucu in Turkey for a year and encountered contractual difficulties which kept him out of the game for a year. Since 2007, restricted himself to appearances for his local amateur team in Trégonneau.

Kjartan FinnbogasonTeddy Bjarnason Kjartan Finnbogason(pictured, left) and Teddy Bjarnason(pictured, right)

Both came and trialled in September 2004, and both were given contracts.

Ramon Nunez Ramon Nunez

Celtic handed a trial to 19-year-old Honduran midfielder Ramon Nunez, who trained with the club for 2 weeks in December 2004. The 5ft 5in teenager had previously been with US outfit FC Dallas in USA MLS, and as of 2009 was playing with Mexican cracks Cruz Azul.

Henri Scheweleff Henri Scheweleff

Celtic gave a trial to Finnish under-21 striker Henri Scheweleff. He had been on trial at US Lecce and had been attracting a fair bit of interest from other clubs; came on a 1 week trial in January 2005; he was contracted to Tampere until June 2006; not offered a contract. He returned to Scandinavia and joined the Swedish club Ogryte, and went on to play for Finnish champions Tampere.

Marcin Burkhardt Marcin Burkhardt

Polish international midfielder Marcin Burkhardt had arrived in Glasgow for a trial period with Celtic in January 2005. The 21-year-old, who had won nine caps, had been given permission by his club Amica Wronki to seek a move elsewhere.
Came for a weeks trial; used to be the great hope in Poland season 2002/03 but failed to develop; said to have a good right peg; said to think more about money than football; not offered a contract. Signed for Legia Warsaw, followed by middling Swedish outfit IFK Norrköping in season ’08.
Bill Tchato Bill Tchato

Celtic confirmed that they will not be pursuing their interest in Cameroon left-back, Bill Tchato. The 29-year-old had arrived from Kaiserslautern in January 2005 for a trial period at Celtic Park after falling out of favour with the Bundesliga outfit.
Djamel Belmadi Djamel Belmadi

Algeria international Djamel Belmadi arrived at Celtic Park in July 2005 to begin a trial, that could have seen him cut short a spell in the Middle East with Al Ittihad. The 29-year-old had previously played for a number of European clubs over the past nine years, including Paris St Germain, Celta Vigo, Marseilles, and Manchester City. He eventually ended up at Southampton, followed by a spell at Valenciennes.

Sebastien Schemmel Sebastian Schemmel

Celtic took former Portsmouth and West Ham defender Sebastien Schemmel on a week’s trial in July 2005. Schemmel travelled with the rest of the squad to their training camp at Bisham Abbey that summer. Was not taken on, and retired.

Ibrahim Tall Ibrahim Tall

Hearts signed former Sochaux defender Ibrahim Tall. The 25-year-old Senegal international had a trial with Celtic in July 2005. He followed that with a trial with Hearts and was signed – allegedly against the wishes of George Burley and this started the controversy which led to Burley’s resignation as manager. Saw out 3-years at the Gorgie madhouse then went to Nantes.

Patrick Clegg Patrick Cregg

Under-19 FAI international had been with Arsenal Youth team but was remaindered; trialled on the Reserves pre-season tour of Ireland in July 2005. Not picked up; did the rounds of teams as a trialist and eventually signed for Falkirk on 6 January 2006 to the end of the season. Continued to play for Falkirk, then followed Yogi Hughes to Hibs in June 2009.
Du Wei Du Wei

Du Wei signed for Celtic, following a trial, in August 2005. Played only 45 minutes first-team football (in the Scottish Cup defeat away to Clyde) before being released and returning to China.
Philippe Christanval Philippe Christanval

French international defender Philippe Christanval is in Glasgow for talks with Celtic about a possible move to the Glasgow club (August 2005). The 26-year-old, who had six caps for his country, trained at Celtic Park on the Wednesday morning. He had just come from an unsuccessful trial with Arsenal. It’s wasn’t sure if he was offered a contract by Celtic, but he left to join Fulham and was released by them in July 2008. He then retired.

Alexei Eremenko Alexei Eremenko

25-year-old attacking midfielder was keen to move from Lecce and recommended by chief scout. Lecce agreed to the trial in January 2006. If Eremenko impressed during his trial at Celtic he could have won a loan deal until the end of the season. Contracted with Lecce until 2009 but had fallen well down the starting order. Lecce had second thoughts; by 20 January possible loan deal said to be still on but finally called off at end of month. Moved to Saturn in Russia and then pitched up at Kilmarnock in August 2010.

Peter Halmosi Peter Halmosi

Hungarian winger; Came after again being identified as a prospect, early January 2006. After a week’s trial left when no agreement forthcoming between his club Chairman and Celtic on the player’s value, Debrecen were wanting £1m for him. On 25 January 2006 Strachan decided against taking the player He returned to Hungary but the following season was loaned to Plymouth Argyle who took up the option to buy him. Went on to play for Hull City.
Alexander Bachke Alexander Bachke

Young trialist from Moss in Norway; spotted at a youth camp in Norway in June. Invited for a trial in July 2006. Quit the game in August 2010 to join the Norwegian Air Force.

Ivaylo Petkov Ivaylo Petkov

Bulgaria left-back Ivaylo Petkov is returning to his homeland after failing to win a contract with Celtic. The 30-year-old with 64 caps failed to impress manager Gordon Strachan after a two-day trial in Glasgow in August 2006. Came for 2 days after being promised as the real deal; claimed he was wanted by Galatasaray, Willem II and Hertha Berlin also; despite the OVERRIDING need for a left back he was considered “short of match fitness” and left and went to Denizlispor back in Turkey where he was signed for 350k euros on a 1 year deal.

Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe Jean-Joël Perrier-Doumbé

Cameroon international arrived for trial in January 2007; limited opportunities at Rennes so far in the 2006-07 campaign. He missed the opening stages of the season after suffering an arm injury in a pre-season friendly. Perrier-Doumbé was strongly linked with Middlesbrough, but move seems unlikely. Arrived as a trialist. Signed in January on a deal to the end of the season with a 2 year option.

Tomislav Pavlov Tomislav Pavlov

Arrived on trial from from CSKA Sofia youth in January 2007; Reported as training with the team for 2 months in March and included in an under-17 game. Signed on 30 June 2007 when just turned 16. Released in the great youth cull of ’09.

Greg Dalby Greg Dalby

20-year-old American doing the trials circuit, arrived on trail in January 2007; last with Colorado Rapids; DMF; previously with San Diego Soccer Club, Rancho Bernardo Select, La Jolla Nomads, San Diego Surf. Originally from California and doing the rounds on trial; was an under-18 and under-20 US National Team; had already been on trial with Siena, Werder Bremen and Red Bull Salzburg. Currently playing with Colorado Rapids.

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson Kolbeinn Sigthorsson

16-year-old Icelandic; invited to train with the club in January 2007; was due to have trials with Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Blackburn Rovers and Reading; already had trials with and rejected by AZ Alkmaar and Aalesund; “The pace, positioning, first touch, skills, passing and his finishing abilities are top class. Also his physique is good if you consider his age. All in all, a great talent.”; has visited Arsenal ever since he was 11. Clearly earmarked for Arsenal.

Eventually signed for AZ. Elder brother Andri had also been a teen prodigy at Bayern Munich. Played against Celtic in the Champions League for Ajax.

Stefan Marian Pop Stefan Marian Pop

Romanian under-17 midfielder brought over from the ‘Somesul’ club at the behest of the Stellar group agency, in March 2007. With Romania’s accession to the EU in January 2007, their young footballers suddenly became attractive to clubs looking to snaffle the next Christian Chivu or Razvan Rat at an embryonic stage of their development. Indeed the agency in question had already flogged Dumitru Copil (“the new Hagi”) to Hearts, allegedly from under the noses of Celtic.

Sadly young Pop proved to be more like the next Daniel Prodan: inasmuch as he was seldom seen. Played in an U16 Academy friendly with Norwich City on 23.3.07 and agreed a contract to stay but failed to appear in 07/08.
Trialled with Serie B Lecce ahead of the Jan 08 transfer window but now looks to be aiming for success the old fashioned way with spells at lower league Corcordia Chiajna and FC Ploiesti.

Not to be confused with Marian Lucian Pop, a contemporaneous player from CFR Cluj.

Mark Ridgers - Trialist - 2007 Graham Girvan - Trialist - 2007 Mark Ridgers and Graham Girvan

Two 16-year-old trialists from Ross County in April 2007; Ridgers is the younger brother of Inverness CT backup GK Ally Ridgers and is also a GK; Girvan is a right back who was also wanted by Bolton Wanderers where he’d already been twice. It looks like Mark Ridgers may have signed for Hearts. Girvan is now on a pro deal with Ross County and on the fringes of the first team.

David Degen David Degen

Swiss 23-year-old brother of Phillip Degen and a decent player from Borussia Monchengladbach, arrived for trial in May 2007; RMF / AMF; previously with FC Basel, FC Aarau. Late stage trial after the player fell out with his club and was released. His previous manager said “He was lacking concentration, unprofessional and a nuisance factor.” Impressed on trial but returned home, probably wanting more than the club were prepared to offer. He went back to Germany but given the fall-out he was loaned to FC Basel and now plays for Young Boys Berne.

Mark McAllister Mark McAllister(pictured, left)

19-year-old striker from Dungannon Swifts arrived as a trialist in July 2007. Had been named Young Player of the Year in Northern Ireland 2006/07. Was also being tracked by Leeds United, Cardiff City, Derby County, Coventry City and Norwich City. In the end rejected the deal as he thought he was walking into the first team. Ended up playing for the odious Linfield FC, before moving onto Portadown.

Andrea Capone Andrea Capone

26-year-old attacking midfielder previously with Cagliari, released by them at the end of the 2006/07 season and effectively a free agent, was invited for a 3-day trial in July 2007 with the possibility of playing against Peterborough and QPR pre-season. Despite going to the States as well on pre-season either was not offered or did not fancy what was offered. Returned to Italy and signed a deal with Vicenza.
Lester PeltierKhaleem HylandAtaullah Guerra Lester Peltier
Khaleem Hyland
Ataullah Guerra


In August 2007, Celtic looked at the Trinidad & Tobago trio Lester Peltier, Khaleem Hyland and Atullah Guerra. The San Juan Jabloteh stars have been training at the Scottish champions for the past week after being invited over to Glasgow.Celtic’s football development manager John Park has recommended the trio to Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan. The midfield trio are regarded as three of the brightest young talents to emerge from Trinidad & Tobago and Hyland has already featured for the national team.All three had been monitored by a number of clubs across Europe and with Arsenal, Millwall, Cardiff City and Portsmouth giving all three a trials last season. Portsmouth even attempting to sign Peltier. Work permits would be an issue. All 3 played for Trinidad under-20’s. An offer of a 1-year deal plus an optional second was made for Hyland but rejected by his club.
Richard FilaretGeorge Tucudean Richard Filaret (pictured, left) and George Tucudean (pictured, right)

Another couple of Romanian under-17 players, this time from Atletico Arad, being hawked about Western clubs in the hope of making it big, in January 2007. Left-back Filaret was taken on and spent 6 months playing under-17 Academy stuff before clearing off to Nottingham Forest on trial. The widely reported £125,000 fee and five year contract looked very unlikely. Went back to Arad with the ACU club.

Tucudean was a striker and by all accounts had been fairly banging them in for second division UTA Arad since heading home. Taken on trial by Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg in July 2009.

Dyego Rocha Coelho Dyego Rocha Coelho

Brazilian right-back who had been with Corinthians and Atletico Mineiro came on trial; also came with a fierce reputation for mixing it up and a 120-day ban in South America; on trial from the New Year and assessed by the coaching staff; looked as though the deal was off by 10 January 2008. Finished season 2008/09 at Serie A Bologna.

Seweryn Gancarczyk Seweryn Gancarczyk

Polish player who had played for quite a few Russian teams; predominantly a left-back needed as a replacement for Naylor but could play centre half as well; arrived for a weeks’ assessment in January 2008; capped three times for his country and a non-playing member of Poland’s World Cup squad in 2006, fee said to be 750,000; also linked to Rangers and Birmingham. Trained all week and was seen as off the pace. Went back to Russia, joining Metallist Kharkov.

Brad Guzan Brad Guzan

American goalkeeper trialist came with a lot of good recommendations in January 2008; from University of South Carolina seen as a USA backup goalkeeper to Brad Friedel and was currently playing MLS soccer. Came on a weeks’ trial. Offered a contract after a week and went away to think about it as he also had other offers. Went to see Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa – who signed him.

Dominic Cervi Dominic Cervi

Came first as a trialist in April 2008 from the University of Tulsa; a 6ft 6″ University of Tulsa ‘soccer’ player that didn’t go into the MLS draft and so was a free agent. Came for a trial for a week originally from Norman, Oklahoma. Back a second time in September 2008; had Italian grandparents so no issue with work permit; played in the Toulon Youth Tournament and went to Olympics with the USA squad; signed for Celtic on 26 September 2008.

Bill Hamid Bill Hamid

Yet another American goalie. Abdul – or Bill – Hamid was a 6′ 4” 17-year-old from Virginia, who arrived in June 2008. By all accounts did enough to earn an under-19 place for 2008/09 until work permit issues scuppered the deal.

Returned to DC United where he was already on their radar. Turned professional with them, and made his break-through to the MLS.

Ryan Strachan Ryan Strachan

17-year-old centre-back handed a month’s trial in July 2008 after a shock release from Aberdeen. Given a one-year deal after showing up well. No relation to ex-Celtic manager, Gordon Strachan.

Daniele Giordano Daniele Giordano

17-year old Italian keeper who had been with US Lecce; came as a trialist in July 2008 and was given a game for the Celtic XI against Albion Rovers at the start of the season; looked slight; but eventually signed for the Youths.

Florin Purece resplendent in Gloria Arad livery Florin Purece

Another Romanian youngster taken to the Villarreal Youth Tournament in August 2008 alongside Richard Filaret. Also trialled with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

It is possible he was also the “Yureuv” quoted as joining Marian Pop on trial in March 2007 and playing U16 Academy games.

Sandro Burki - Trialist - 2008 Sandro Burki

Swiss 23-year-old midfielder came as a trialist in September 2008; he was still contracted to FC Aarau but a decent previous pedigree with FC Vaduz (on-loan), Young Boys Berne, Bayern Munich Youth, FC Zurich, FC Basel under-21’s; strongly linked with the club and was invited over to view Lennoxtown and take in the Aalborg game. He had a contract with the Swiss side to June ’10. Was also over as a guest for the first game of 2009 – the home draw to Dundee United, leading to much speculation as to his future involvement with Celtic. Eventually, no contract offered.

Niall McGinn Niall McGinn

Tracked and linked in December 2008; but request for a trial period turned down by Derry City; was also wanted by Swansea and Derby; said he didn’t want to come to play as a reserve; on 16 December 2008 he signed a 3-and-a-half year contract to start on 1 January 2009; an indication of the level of player being looked at; no official fee reported, but talk of a£275,000 fee talked about.

Erlend Hanstveit Erlend Hanstveit

A little bit of left-back action arrived after several seasons. A 5-times-capped Norwegian who had been looked at in the past but had been a regular player for Brann and out of contract at the end of December; returned to Norway after a week’s training in December 2008. Was eventually picked up by Belgian club Gent.

Anton Fantis Anton Fantis

One of two Czech youth players taken on trial for 10 days in December 2008; Anton(in) was a 16-year-old striker with the Czech side formerly known as Dukla Prague, and had played 11 games that season, mostly as a late stage sub; was contracted to Pribram till 2011. Was also being watched by AC Milan, Slavia and Plzen; interest cooled by the end of the trial and he returned to the Czech side……… unlike his mate.

Switched to Banik Ostrava in summer 2010, having been capped by the Czechs up to under-20 level by that stage.

Milan Misun Milan Misun

18-year-old Czech left-back, as above, but had played for the Czech under-19 team and was generally a first choice player with Pribram; by mid December 2008 his agent said he would be joining Celtic, and it subsequently proved to be true as he signed a permanent deal for the club not long after.

Sampson Cudjoe Sampson Cudjoe

20-year-old defensive midfielder originally Ghanaian, arrived for trial in December 2008; mention of a £400,000 deal but nothing materialised; was seen when on loan to the Finnish club Honka FC; he had been part of the Ghana 2007 Olympic football squad.

Sacha Kljestan Sacha Kljestan

All action midfielder playing for the Chivas USA club and a regular international. Spent a week training at Lennoxtown in the American off-season in January 2009 but would no doubt have cost decent money. We got bargain buy Willo Flood instead. Moved to Anderlecht after a surprising omission from the US World Cup 2010 squad.

Anton Kurakins Anton Kurakins

19-year-old Latvian defender; taken on and signed a 3-year deal in early February 2009.

Krisjanis Vallers Krisjanis Vallers

18-year-old winger, trialed on 24 December 2008 and signed a 3-year deal in February 2009.

Petar Skuletic Petar Skuletic

Tall striker born on 29 June 1990 was given the “tour of the facilities” in January 2009. Was born in Niksic, Montenegro, but a Serbian under-19 player then with Partizan Belgrade. Returned to Partizan’s feeder club FK Teleoptik and then later joined Austrian LASK Linz in summer 2009.

Michael Lang Michael Lang

Burly 17-year-old Swiss centre back from St. Gallen. Took in the Dundee United match on 3 January 2009 and set tongues wagging when folk thought he was Reto Ziegler. Again widely reported as being signed but never materialised. Stayed on at St. Gallen, before moving to Grasshoppers then Basel.

Aleksandar Kovacevic Aleksandar Kovacevic

Serbian defensive midfield prospect from Red Star Belgrade, nicknamed ‘the tank’. Spent a week training at Lennoxtown in May 2009 but returned home and made his debut for Red Star on 30 May 2009. Farmed out on loan to FK Sopot for the 2009/10 season.

Solvi Geir Ottesen Sölvi Geir Ottesen

Icelandic international Sölvi Geir Ottesen was invited to train with Celtic during pre-season 2009 with a view to a deal subject to a permission from his Danish club, Sönderjysk. The 24-year-old central defender, who can also operate as a right back and defensive midfielder, was also high on Birmingham’s wish list but the English club failed with a bid for the player in January. Ottesen continued with Sönderjysk, then signed for FC Kopenhavn in 2010.

Amadou Alassane Amadou Alassane

Alassane arrived in Glasgow in July 2009 to begin a week’s trial. The 26-year-old turned professional three years ago after joining Le Havre from amateur side Am Nieges in what is effectively the seventh tier in France but his rise was such that – after 10 goals for the relegated side last term – Lille, Rennes, Monaco, Hull and Hertha Berlin all want to sign him. “I am in Scotland to begin a trial with Celtic,” Alassane confirmed. “I don’t know what will happen but I do know it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to show a great club what I can do and I want to leave here with no regrets.” Interest dropped, and he sadly retired at just 26, the following month, after a heart defect showed up on his return to Le Havre.

Guillaume Beuzelin Guillaume Beuzelin

30-year-old former Le Havre and Hibs midfielder offered training facilities at Lennoxtown over the 2009 pre-season period after his one-year deal at Coventry City was not renewed. Tony Mowbray insisted it was just a favour to keep his former charge ticking over, but the recent loss of Donati, Ferry etc. may have put a different complexion on things. Made a shock appearance in the hoops versus Cork City on 9 September 2009 but wasn’t offered a deal. Ended up signing later for Hamilton Accies later that month.

Peter Bradley Peter Bradley

Former Northern Ireland youth international from Magherafelt who had previously attracted attention from the likes of Newcastle, West Brom Albion and Leicester City over the years; came on trial for a week in August 2009; not picked up; subsequently went back to Cowdenbeath where he got 1 game in season 2009/10 before going on loan to Juniors Kirkcaldy YM and Ballingry Rovers. Was released at the end of the season but picked up by St Mirren when Danny Lennon, the ex-Cowdenbeath manager went to St Mirren.

Rafik Djebbour Rafik Djebbour

25-year-old Algerian striker previously with AEK Athens but fell out with the manager there when he took an unauthorised holiday. Invited to train with Celtic in September 2009 and a chance for an assessment. He would have been cup tied in Europe as he’d already played for AEK in Europe that year.

Trialled with Blackburn Rovers the next month and linked with Bochum and Le Havre in January 2010, but was left in limbo and axed from Algeria’s African Cup of Nations squad. Eventually patched things up with AEK, then helped Algeria inflict a humiliating World Cup draw on England.

Osman Chavez Osman Chavez

The highly-rated 25-year-old centre back was a regular for the Honduras side which qualified for the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2010. He almost joined Tottenham in August, but a deal failed to materialise he trained with Celtic in late November 2009.
Chavez jad trained with Blackburn the week before – they were said to be keen to strike a deal – but came to Scotland to train with Tony Mowbray’s men. The club were understood to have been trying to broker a deal for January which would have seen Chavez move on-loan from his then current club Platense, until the summer, with a view to a permanent deal. “Osman is a very, very good player who has shown with Honduras he is capable of playing in Europe,” “Celtic already like what they have seen and we would think they will be keen on doing a deal.
“We are very hopeful of getting something done with Osman for January.”, said Chavez’s agent.

After 2 bounce games and over a week at Lennoxtown, Mowbray decided against him. He left and said he was more interested in the move to Blackburn. He went on to have a very decent World Cup 2010 in South Africa for the Hondurans, before signing for Polish club Wisla Krakow, alongside Maciej Zurawski.

Zsolt KorcsmarDaniel Kovacs Zsolt Korcsmar(pictured, left) and Daniel Kovacs (pictured, right)

Both players were thought to be part of a group who came over from Hungary to train for a week at Lennoxtown, during November and early December 2009 – the fruit of letting Willie McStay leave to manage the Hungarian club Ujpest. 20 year-old Korcsmar, a central defender, was being tracked by a number of European clubs including Feyenoord and Freiburg. He generally played as either a centre half or just in front of the defenders had had a good start to 2009/10 season under McStay. He played for Hungary in the under-20 World Cup and did well.

Daniel Kovacs was a 19-year-old left winger who had just broken into the main team and showed promise. Korcsmar was the only real first team prospect with the others seen as potential for the ranks. Kovacs ended up signing a new contract with Ujpest till 2013, while Korcsmar went to Norway and Brann Bergen in August 2010.

Matyas MagosSimon Krisztian Matyas Magos(pictured, left) and Simon Krisztian(pictured, right)

Two further young Ujpest players who arrived in November and into December 2009, part of the feeder club arrangement installed when Willie McStay departed to Hungary. In the end, none of the 4 players were signed.Magos was a 17-year-old midfielder who had played with the under-17 international side for Hungary, and Krisztian was an 18 year-old winger who had already had some time out on loan with Wolves under-19’s and made a 1 minute token appearance for the senior team who rated him highly.

Marko Maletic Marko Maletic

16-year-old Bosnian midfielder playing with Durch club De Graafschaap invited over for a week long trial in October 2009 then brought back again in December. The club bid £150,000 allegedly for him but the Dutch club wanted £270,000 which they felt entitled to under FIFA rules of youth development. De Graafschaap director Leen Loyen said that if the interested clubs didn’t pay the fee then he would stay in Holland. He went for a further trial with Blackburn Rovers. Opted to stay in Holland with FC Utrecht.

Bahrudin Atajic Bahrudin Atajic

16-year-old Swedish forward of Bosnian extraction. Attached to Malmo FF and part of the same agency as other trialist, Marko Maletic. Arrived on trial at Lennoxtown during Maletic’s second week in December 2009, and signed a permanent 3-year deal on 19 January 2010. Scored his only goal for the first-team in a win at Fir Park against Motherwell, in December 2013.

Sander Puri Sander Puri

21-year-old Estonian wonderkid attacking forward came on a week long trial at Lennoxtown in early December 2009 but left without signing a contract. Went to AE Larissa in Greece who immediately signed him on a 5 year deal. Had a very brief spell in Scottish football with St Mirren in 2013, but only played 3 games for them (including one substitute appearance against Celtic).

Milos Lacny Milos Lacny

Slovakian under-21 international striker came on a 9-day trial in early December 2009 and rounded off an apparently quite satisfactory period scoring in a bounce game with the reserves against Everton reserves. He came from his club Ruzomberok, during the Slovakian mid-winter break saying that he didn’t usually do trials but felt that he couldn’t turn down the offer. He left to return to Slovakia with the chance of coming back later in the year, saying that the training was more professional in Scotland but complained about the amount of swearing! He arrived again after Christmas for the second part of his trial period. Eventually went to Sparta Prague in January 2010, although he would later return to Celtic on trial again, and played in a pre-season match against Wolves at Parkhead.

Dmitry Verkhovtsov Dmitry Verkhovtsov

Big media hype on his arrival and it looked like he’d been scouted or planned by the Board and he arrived to see if Mowbray liked the look of him, in December 2009. He said he wanted to join the team and God knows we needed better central defenders than the sieve had so far shown. 23 year-old Belarussian central defender who came to light in a friendly against England during the season. Was playing for Belarussian side Naftan Novopolotsk and it was said that £500,000 would secure him but he’d need a work permit.

He arrived, trained for 1 day and then left, the coaching staff citing that his English wasn’t good enough! He said: ”I honestly still do not quite understand what happened. I went to Scotland but didn’t do any medicals nor participate in training sessions. Throughout the three days, all I had to do was wait until they bought me a ticket to return home. I was given no explanations by any of their managers. Naturally, I would like to test myself playing for such a famous team.”

Thomas Rogne Thomas Rogne

19-year-old Norwegian centre-back from Stabaek, invited to Lennoxtown for training and trial in January 2010 after Gary Caldwell departed. Available on a free transfer and given the parsimonious nature of the Celtic board and its lust after young foreign blood he should have been a sure fire (particularly after appearing at training in Gary Caldwell’s squad number). “A decision about Thomas Rogne’s future will be made in the near future,” the player’s agent Mike Kjaeloe was quoted as saying. Eventually signed on 19 January 2010 on a 3-and-a-half year deal.

Adriano Pellegrino Adriano Pellegrino

Celtic’s search for new players has turned global with the news that Perth Glory’s attacking midfielder Adriano Pellegrino will undergo a week-long trial at the end of the month (January 2010). The 25-year-old won Glory’s Most Glorious Player Award for the 2007/2008 season but, according to reports, has failed to hit peak form during the current season. He has been capped by the Australia under-20 team but not for the senior side.
Glory owner Tony Sage told The West Australian: “He’s asked if he can go on trial and we’ve said yes but it has to fit our time frame. They had wanted him over this week but he would’ve missed three games so we said no. Now he’s scheduled to go after the Wellington game.”
The club decided not to sign him.
David Boysen David Boysen

18-year-old Danish striker who arrived on trial in January 2010, around the same time as Morten Rasmussen joined permanently. Wasn’t offered a deal, and has since played for a number of clubs in Denmark, and also Roda JC in the Netherlands.

James VirgiliEvan Batsis James Virgili(pictured, left) and Evan Batsis (pictured, right)

17-year-old Australian prospects handed trials shortly prior to Mowbray’s departure in March 2010. Virgili was a right-winger from Newcastle Jets while Batsis was a striker from Melbourne Victory.

Post Trial article

Both went on to play State-level stuff, Virgili for Broadmeadow Magic and Batsis forWerribee City

Dubi Ogbonna Dubi Ogbonna

18-year-old Nigerian striker, trialled with Celtic in June 2010. Also trialled with Aberdeen and Southend United after hitting 20 goals in his debut season at English non-league minnows Soham Town.

Stayed with Soham Town for the 2010/11 season and remained a prolific scorer on the non-league circuit.

Slaven Stjepanovic Slaven Stjepanovic

Montenegrin 22 year-old midfielder, generally a central midfielder but able to play left or right side as well as being described also as a ‘forward’. Arrived in July 2010 having previously had a trial in Germany with Nuremberg; came on a 10 day trial with his club saying that they would be honoured to do business; played 25 games the previous season but only played the full 90 in 6 of those games; only scored 1 goal; had a wasted season before that with Partizan Belgrade when he spent most of the time out with an ankle injury.

Before that was seen playing for Zeta against Rangers; said to be a much improved player but his current club would say that; Lennon and new coaching staff interested enough to give him an extended trial; said to be valued at anything between £500,000 and £1m. But, in the end, no contract was offered.

George Boateng George Boateng

Not strictly a trialist – but came to look around in July 2010 with a view to a contract; Dutch-Ghanaian defensive midfielder weeks off his 35th birthday. Clearly washed-up and looking for a last pay-day. In a previous life was one of the rare ‘hits’ in Gordon Strachan’s scattergun approach to transfers while at Coventry City.

Picked up four caps for the Netherlands and joined Villa for £4.5m but spent the intervening decade picking up big wages at unfashionable Middlesbrough and Hull. Originally a contemporary of Petta and van Bronckhorst in Feyenoord’s youth system, before Strachan made his £250,000 swoop way back in 1997-98.

Alleged that the wheel nuts on his car had been tampered with when he was looking around Lennoxtown and that he had had ice thrown at him whilst staying in a hotel in the city centre. Eventually signed for Greeks Skoda Xanthi.

Sol Campbell Sol Campbell

Similar to Boateng, not strictly a trialist. Another name player Celtic fans are probably pleased they avoided, Campbell was also on the agenda as a free transfer for Neil Lennon as he attempted to bring in some experience to his depleted Celtic defence, in June 2010. At the time, 35-year-old Campbell had actually just impressed with Arsenal in a short second spell and had travelled to Parkhead to try and push through a deal. His short but decent spell with Arsenal was actually just about enough to make us all ignore his age at the time, and his embarrassing debacle with Notts County.

The move was never meant to be, however, as Campbell opted to join Newcastle. The club didn’t mind that he snubbed them in the end, as his Newcastle career turned out to be extremely uninspiring as he scarcely gained any starts or earned much praise from the Toon fans. He then retired in 2012 after he was released by Alan Pardew in 2011 after a full year of failing to find a club that wanted him.

Jimmy Bullard Jimmy Bullard

The trifecta of dross was complete in the summer of 2010, when Jimmy Bullard arrived for a look around Lennoxtown. Similar to George Boateng and Sol Campbell, no-one was crying when this transfer failed to materialise. Neil Lennon was just beginning to make in-roads into the transfer market as a debut manager and one of his first desires was to lure Jimmy Bullard to Celtic on-loan, despite the general consensus among Celtic fans that he was a bit of an arrogant character past his peak.

Many wondered why Lennon wanted him at Parkhead in the first place. This view of the player was solidly justified when Bullard demanded an extra £30,000 a week wage from the Glasgow giants – the kind of money that is lightyears away from what Celtic would pay to loan any player, let alone a mediocre player with most of his career behind him. Hull City were furious with him as they needed to offload Bullard’s wages to prepare for life in the English Championship, yet he still expected them to pay him during his time away.

Ibrahima Camara Ibrahima Camara

A 25-year-old Guinean international full-back available in July of 2010, after falling out of favour at Le Mans. Spent the second half of last season on loan at second division Nantes but only managed seven appearances there. Had joined from Parma in 2006 after a couple of seasons as a squad player with the cash-strapped Italians.

An international team-mate of Bobo Balde but, sadly, more reminiscent of Mo Camara or Perrier-Doumbe. Unlikely to be the answer. So it proved, as he wound up with modest Belgian club Eupen.

Alan Smith Alan Smith

17-year-old goalkeeper from Cobh. Spent two weeks trialling in July 2010, before joining Rangers – becoming their first Republic of Ireland player in the modern era, from Crumlin United. Agreed to TUPE across his contract to the new Rangers club in 2012, but released in 2014 he signed for Cork City, where he understudies the evergreen Mark McNulty.

Liam Boyce Liam Boyce

19 year-old forward who broke into the Cliftonville side and scored a stack of goals, invited over for a trial at Lennoxtown in July 2010; interest in the young forward had been expressed by Barcelona, Espanyol, Manchester United and Bolton and Celtic were said to have been keeping tabs on him for a number of years.

Not offered a contract and in fact went back to Ireland to play for Cliftonville and help them in 2010/11 Europa league qualification games. Sealed a move to Werden Bremen on transfer deadline day, 2010. Eventually ended up in Scottish football at Ross County, before moving on to Burton Albion.

Peter Luccin Peter Luccin

Player who had been banned for 4 games for spitting at John Hartson when he played for Celta Vigo, in 2002. Was without a club and was given the chance to trial in late July 2010 to try and win a contract at Celtic. Said to be a hard tackling holding midfielder who could also play in defence if required. He lost a year at Zaragoza, his previous club, overcoming a knee injury. Had a long history and number of clubs played for in France and Spain.

Not allowed to play in the pre-season Emirates Cup, so was moved on with no contract offered.

Alex Schalk Alex Schalk

Young 18-year-old Dutch striker with NAC Breda invited over for a week long trial in August 2010. He was out of contract at the Dutch club and had been watched at a tournament in May. He had decided to move rather than sign full papers with NAC. NAC would be due a fee based on youth player development and it was envisaged that the player would join the Reserves. In the end, no contract was offered.


He eventually would end up in Scottish football – at Ross County. He was involved in a blatant dive to win a last-minute penalty for his side against Celtic, despite being yards away from the nearest Celtic player. Referee Don Robertson was the only person in the stadium who considered it a penalty.

Jacobo Sanz - Trialist August 2010 Jacobo Sanz

Decent keeper who was in Scotland for the 2010 pre-season with Real Valladolid and training at Stirling Albion’s ground. Lennon went to see him and wanted him to come on trial for a week with a possible £600,000 deal resting on his performance, training with the main team. With the sale of Boruc to Fiorentina and the poor displays of Zaluska there was an urgent need for a commanding number 1 goalkeeper. The loan signing of Fraser Forster, eventually meant no deal was offered to him.

Mannaseh Ishiaku - Trialist - August 2010 Manasseh Ishiaku

27 year-old Nigerian striker who had been with FC Koln in the Bundesliga, arrived for a trial in August 2010. Was still in contract with Koln, but a poor run of form (scoring only once in 30 appearances) combined with a long period of bad luck with injuries saw Koln wanting to release him and allowing him to go out on trials with other clubs. He had played in Germany and Belgium and had first transferred from Nigeria to the Australian Institute of Sport in New South Wales. Wasn’t offered a contract.

Shahdon Winchester Shahdon Winchester

18 year-old centre forward with Trinidadian club W Connection was alleged to be at the club for a two week trial in August 2010. In 2009 he also had a trial with Sporting Braga. He played for the Trinidad and Tobago youth side coached by Russell Latapy.

Hit two goals in a reserve XI win over Motherwell (14 September 2010) and thought to be a candidate for a contract in January 2011. But returned to W Connection and joined Colorado Rapids’ MLS pre-season training camp in February 2011.

Simon Dawkins Simon Dawkins(pictured, 2nd from left)

22 year-old Edgware-born striker who came through Spurs’ academy system. Released from Tottenham after a loan spell with Leyton Orient, but spent season 2009-10 back at Spurs on non-contract terms after a trial at RC Strasbourg failed to work out.

Played in a Lennoxtown in a bounce game against Real Valladolid on 10 August 2010. The game was arranged to look at Dawkins, as well as the Spaniards’ afore-mentioned GK Jacobo Sanz and a CB named Cesar Arzo. Sadly for the young hoops side it ended in an embarrassing 0-6 defeat.

Dawkins continued to train with Spurs, until joining MLS team San Jose Earthquakes in March 2011.

Adrian Ruelas Adrian Ruelas

Striking prospect, 19, plucked from the youth ranks of Mexican partner club Santos Laguna in September 2010. Florida-born, he was at the centre of an international tug-of-war between Mexico and the USA. Handed a four month loan/trial arrangement and featured in reserve and friendly games.

Not signed in January and returned to Mexico, where he swiftly broke into Santos Laguna’s first-team.

Tony Watt Tony Watt

16 year-old Airdrie striker trialled in the first week of November 2010. Showed up well in an under-17 friendly win over Liverpool. Already a first-teamer at Airdrie at that stage, but with Diamonds boss Jimmy Boyle was keen to get him out for full-time training, he was reportedly due to spend time at the Huns and Liverpool too. Eventually signed for the club in January 2011for a reported £100,000. Went on to score one of the most famous goals in the club’s history, in the 2-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona.

Was eventually sold to Standard Liege for £1.2m, before a host of loan moves and failed moves, which also starting a side business of a movie review website ‘Watt To Watch’.

Pascal Feindouno Pascal Feindouno

Erratic Guinean forward with decent pedigree after spells at Bordeaux (played against Celtic in the UEFA Cup) and St. Etienne in France, arrived for trial in November 2010. Put out to pasture in the Middle East two years ago (where he trousered a tax-free 35k-a-week) but was still only 29. By 22 December was back in Saudi, claiming to be fielding offers from Europe’s elite having snubbed Celtic’s terms. Delighted his bank manager with a move to AS Monaco. He played a 2nd time against Celtic in the UEFA Cup, this time was FC Sion.

Freddie Ljungberg Freddie Ljungberg

Once a world-class attacking midfielder with Arsenal and the Swedish national team. But following a disappointing spell at West Ham United in the 2007-08 season, he’d been in semi-retirement in the MLS, with first the Seattle Sounders, then the Chicago Fire. Despite that, he was amate of Mjallby’s and was thought highly of by Lennon – so they had him sign a short-term deal on30 December 2010.

He hardly featured, and the signing of Kris Commons meant he wasn’t missed much. Left the club at the end of the season with a few months’ wages in his pocket.

Dwayne De Rosario Dwayne De Rosario

32-year-old stalwart of the Canadian national team, a candidate to loan from Toronto FC during the MLS off-season. Came for a week’s training during December 2010 which was rather overshadowed by the arrival of Freddie Ljungberg.

Said by Lennon to be a Shaun Maloney-type player. Presumably he meant ‘creative attacking midfielder who cuts in from the left,’ rather than ‘injury-prone nearly man.’

In any event his club declined to offer a deal.

Julien Baudet Julien Baudet

32 year-old French born central defender who was recommended to the club by Seattle Sounders came on trial and played as a trialist for a reserve team who played Shamrock Rovers in Dublin in early February 2011. Baudet sprang from the lofty reaches of Oldham Athletic, Rotherham and Crewe Alexandra before departing to cross the pond to the MLS in 2009. Such was the need for central defenders, Lennon was prepared to give anyone a trial.
Vlad IgnatNicolare Stanciu Vlad Ignat and Nicolae Stanciu

Another two Romanian kids handed eight day trials in January 2011. Ignat was a 15-year-old goalie and as a midfielder, 17-year-old Stanciu was inevitably “the new Hagi”. Sent back to their second division club, Unirea Alba Iulia, with kind words ringing in their ears.

Stanciu did turn into a player and was the Belgian league’s record signing when Anderlecht picked him up fromSteauaBucharest in summer 2016. He duly donned Hagi’s number 10 shirt for Romania at Euro 2016. He was a bit lightweight though, and Anderlecht offloaded him 18 months later to Sparta Prague, for another national record fee.

For his part Ignat spent time with Real Valladolid’s academy but picked up a nasty elbow injury and returned home. He turned out for several lower division clubs including the ‘newco’ Rapid Bucharest.

Declan McDaid Declan McDaid

15 year-old schoolboy from Dunoon, arrived for a trial in April 2011 while still at Greenock Morton (we offered £35,000, which was rejected). Eventually left Morton to join Partick Thistle in 2013, before ending up at Ayr United, via loan spell at Cowdenbeath.
Gianvito Plasmati Gianvito Plasmati

Came for a week long trial in April 2011 looking for a move to Scotland. Chance for the backroom staff to assess him. Tall Italian striker out of favour with Catania and in dispute with them and not having played all season. He had said that his signature on a 1 year contract with Catania was forged and the whole thing had gone to the beaks and he lost. He would be a free agent in the summer ’11 and therefore perfectly acceptable to the Board.

Stipe Pletikosa Stipe Pletikosa

With the departure of the on-loan Forster back to Newcastle the search was on for a new number 1 goalkeeper whilst Zaluska continued to deputise. Croatian Pletikosa arrived in July 2011 and had a good track record having played for Shaktar Donetsk and Spartak Moscow and he played in the pre-season friendly against Cardiff City where he had very little chance to show what he could do, and against Wolves where he let in a goal. Flew back to Croatia after two weeks without a contract, but leaving a sob story to the chipwrappers that he’d lost a stack of money by leaving Moscow when in fact he had been released by Spartak Moscow and was out of contract there.

Katlego Mphela Katlego Mphela

Allegedly ‘hot’ South African striker with Mamelodi Sundowns; came on a much publicised trial for 4 days after the season opener against Hibs, in July 2011. Had previously had a taste of European football in France as a 19-year-old with Strasbourg and Stade Reims. Was also being courted by a number of other teams including the Israeli side Maccabi Haifa; played in a pre-season friendly against Wolves. By the end of the month both him and Lacny were told that they were NRB’d.

Milos Lacny Milos Lacny

Slovakian striker who had already been to Lennoxtown on trial in December 2009, arrived for a second trial in July 2011. Since then he had joined Sparta Prague but looked as though he still wanted a Celtic gig; previously a Slovakian under-21 and good reports of his progress; played in a pre-season friendly against Wolves. By the end of the month both him and Mphela were told that they were NRB’d. He DID end up coming to Scotland though, at the end of the month when Sparta Prague loaned him to Dundee United for the rest of the season.

Mohammadou Idrissou Mohammadou Idrissou

Tall, 31 year-old much travelled Cameroonian striker who played most of his football in the German leagues. Neil Lennon confirmed that he was going on trial at Lennoxtown for a few days in August 2011; generally an attacking all rounder but likes to play either in the centre or as an attacking left-sider. Was in the last year of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Boudewijn Zenden Boudewijn Zenden

Unattached having been released by Sunderland at the end of the previous season; offered a trial in November 2011 and actually came; but was quickly out of the frame as he clearly wanted more money than the Board could or would spend. Talented player in his day who had played with a host of big clubs, but now 35 and prone to injury – and still wanting a big wedge to play. Celtic decided against offering him a contract.

Ibrahim Rabiu Ibrahim Rabiu

The Nigerian playmaker was released from PSV at the end of 2011 and arrived for trial in January 2012. A talented prospect that quite a few clubs were interested in, he was included in World Soccer list of 50 exciting teenagers in 2007. Played in a bounce game against St Johnstone, and was subsequently signed on a 3-and-a-half year contract on 18 January 2012.

Freed to Kilmarnock a year later, he lasted another year at Rugby Park before heading for Slovakia and AS Trencin. Two solid years there led to a failed spell at Gent, after which he returned to Slovakia with Slovan Bratislava.

Ingolfur Sigurdsson Ingólfur Sigurdsson

Icelandic trialist featured in a development side game against St Johnstone in January 2012; had a trial also at Arsenal and had previously been linked to Manchester United; able to play either wing; somewhat slight but had also had two spells in Holland with Heerenveen’s youth team.

Homesickness apparently washed out his Heerenveen sojourns, as it did with a brief spell at Lyngby in Denmark. He stuck to playing in Iceland and by 2018 was in the third division with KH. In 2017 he had given Holland another try with amateurs IJsselmeervogels, only for homesickess to rear its head again.

Juan Agudelo Juan Agudelo

Colombian-born US striker who arrived for a 2-week trial in November 2012 from Chivas USA. Celtic apparently made an offer for him in January 2013 – but his club described the offer as “not a serious one” and it was rejected.

Went on to a decent career in MLS with Chivas USA and NE Revolution, winning over 25 caps for the “USMNT”. Stoke City signed him in 2014 but had to park him at Utrecht when he was refused a work permit. After six months they cut their losses and sent him back to MLS.

Anton Rodgers Anton Rodgers (pictured, right)

Son of manager, Brendan Rodgers, Anton Rodgers joined Celtic for their pre-season tour of Austria in June 2017 following his release by Swindon Town. Was named on the bench for the friendly match against BM Linz, and came on for the 2nd half.

He saw out 17-18 at Hungerford Town. Spotted on trial at Falkirk in September 2018.

Ljuban Crepulja

Croatian defensive midfielder, 22, from Slaven Belupo handed a trial in January 2016. With Scott Brown and Stefan Johanson decidedly off form in the dog days of Ronny Deila’s regime new blood was urgently required. But Crepulja was deemed not the answer and moved on after a week or so. He went to Mechelen in Belgium but only made four appearances, heading to Belarus then back to the Balkans with FK Sarajevo.

Kyle Jameson

Manchester-born 18yo centre-back up for a fortnight’s trial in July 2017. Was an ex-Everton youth on the books at Chelsea but looking to get out of their ginormous playing squad to make his mark. He was picked up by West Brom in August 2017 and played under-23 stuff for them throughout 17-18 before joining Barrow on loan.

Gavin Bazunu

Lanky Irish goalkeeping prodigy from Shamrock Rovers. Trialled in summer 2018 but also being pursued by half the EPL after breaking into Rovers’ first team as a 16yo and consigning ex-NI and St Johnstone stopper Alan Mannus to the sub’s bench. In October 2018 agreed a pre-contract to Man City, which Rovers said was “the biggest transfer by an Irish club in the professional era”.

Moses Odubajo

A right-back taken on the pre-season tour of Austria in June 2018. Said to have been a prospect at one stage, he signed for Hull City for £3.5m in 2015 but was now available on a free transfer after a crocked knee sidelined him for two years. He went back to Brentford instead. Rodgers said he wasn’t training but was in talks.