Who is Cameron Harper? Everything you need to know about Celtic youngster prior to debut against Hibs

Celtic named Cameron Harper in their starting XI to face Hibs in the Scottish Premiership after 13 first-team players, including every first-team striker, were forced into self-isolation. But just who is the latest Parkhead debutant?

Celtic youngster Cameron Harper will make his debut against Hibs. Picture: SNS

Though both of Harper’s parents are from Glasgow, the 19-year-old was born and raised in California after the couple decided to move to the United States three decades ago. He did always have an affinity with the club, though, watching their matches from halfway across the world and visiting Scotland once every couple of years.

As a youngster he signed for noted academy Pateadores and was playing in a US Development Academy showcase in Florida when he was spotted by Celtic scout Jonny Burns, son of club legend Tommy. He was signed a year later with his mother, Natalie, joining him back in Glasgow.

After initially starting out as a striker, Celtic’s youth coaches have since identified the wing positions as to where his future lies in the game. He is viewed as capable of operating successfully on either flank.

Team-mate Karamoko Dembele was previously looked upon as the shining star of Celtic’s youth squads, but he’s since been overtaken by Harper, as evidenced by his place in the starting XI for the match against Hibs.

The club are very impressed his work rate and focus on the game, not to mention his skills on the football. He is someone who is always willing to take on his marker and sees himself as an exciting player whose job it is to entertain the supporters.

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