Celtic midfielder hailed 'outstanding young player' after being recalled from loan spell

Celtic's Scott Robertson during a pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park, on July 27, 2020. Pic: SNS

The 19-year-old midfielder, who signed for the Gills in September in what had been expected to be a season-long loan, made 19 appearances during his four month stay and made his final outing in the 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion at the weekend.

Robertson has been brought back help Celtic through the ongoing Covid crisis after 16 players and staff, including manager Neil Lennon, were required to self-isolate after defender Christopher Jullien tested positive for the virus upon the club’s return from a training camp in Dubai.

His return came too late to feature in the 1-1 draw against Hibs on Monday night but he could go straight into the Hoops squad for Saturday’s Premiership game against Livingston at Celtic Park.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans was delighted with Robertson’s contribution over his loan spell, telling the club’s website: “Scott is an outstanding young player who has developed nicely in the last few months. He has returned to Celtic and we wish him all the very best."

Evans had previously singled out the Celtic midfielder for praise after a recent 4-1 rout of Rochdale.

“We played with a lot of intensity and that is what was most impressive today and to be fair to Josh Eccles and Scott Robertson, I love them, they get on the ball and they were both fit," he said.

Robertson’s only previous first team appearance for Celtic came in the Europa League loss to Cluj in Romania in December 2019.

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