‘Just class,’ Jude Bonnar’s delight at making his Celtic debut | OneFootball

Celtic youngster Jude Bonnar insists making his senior Hoops debut against Aberdeen was a dream come true…

Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring his second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

The 19 year-old, who has been a Celtic Academy player for 12 years was handed his first Celtic appearance on Tuesday evening replacing the experienced Jeffery Schlupp with 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining in Brendan Rodgers’ side’s 5-1 thrashing over Aberdeen.

Bonnar has one year left on existing contract

Signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2021, Jude Bonnar has one-year left on his current deal as he aims to impress Rodgers in order to earn a new contract at his boyhood club.

Starring 28 times this season for the Celtic B team under the stewardship of former Celtic defenders Stephen McManus and Jonny Hayes, Bonnar has scored on five occasions and has been rewarded with his first minutes as a senior player for the Scottish champions.

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Speaking to Celtic TV post-match following Rodgers’ men’s 5-1 rout against Aberdeen, Bonnar said: “It’s hard to put into words. It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was wee so just getting the call-up and being able to come on is just class!”

“It motivates me even more”

“It motivates me even more, especially training with them and their quality, being able to keep up is a good confidence boost. They don’t stop and it makes it easier coming on because of the pace they’re playing at.”

“I’m just grateful the manager’s trusted me enough to step on the pitch with the players. He just said to make sure I was focused, and then just enjoy it.”

Jude Bonnar of Celtic in action on his debut during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. Picture by Mark Runnacles

‘He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play’

And, Brendan Rodgers complemented Bonnar’s desire and commitment which has saw him work his way into the Celtic squad: “Great for young Jude Bonnar to get his first appearance. He’s working very, very hard with the second team. He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play. So that is a nice little taster for him.”

Hopefully Jude is the first of many young Celts to be given an opportunity to prove themselves at first team level, which is very much in the Celtic tradition of bringing though our own players.

Conor Spence

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