CELTIC had a big win over Aberdeen after Rangers made a big announcement with Barry Ferguson’s return to Ibrox as boss.
But it’s arguably been an even bigger week for Mill United.
Jude Bonnar (left) made his debut in Celtic’s 5-1 win over Aberdeen when Daizen maeda (right) bagged a brace[/caption]
He’s played 20 times in the Lowland League for the B-team – scoring five[/caption]
Boss Brendan Rodgers said it was a well deserved debut[/caption]
The youth club, based in Hamilton, will celebrate two alumni make major moments within the space of 24 hours.
One, Ferguson, has a Gers’ dugout debut to come this evening in Kilmarnock.
Last night (Tuesday) Jude Bonnar fulfilled his dream and made his big break at Celtic Park.
Born in November 2005, he’s been at the Hoops Academy since he was seven, but spent his early development days playing with boys almost two years older than he was for Mill’s 2004 squad.
It’s a club which has fed plenty of top names into professional football – from Stevie Lawless at Partick Thistle and Motherwell, to Paul Hartley and the Ferguson family – Derek, Barry and Lewis.
But Bonnar had other top team-mates as a kid – he played in the same PRIMARY SCHOOL team as Rocco Vata.
“He had natural ability,” said his former kids coach Alan McGrillen. “He played on the left even then and he was always practising tricks and skills, he would then do it time and time again against boys.
“Some of the stuff he did on the pitch, you were left in awe of it. I had always thought that he had a good chance to make it at a professional club.”
He told the Daily Record: “We had a great team and didn’t lose a game for three years, that’s how good we were. But wee Jude was always a standout.”
And his current boss Brendan Rodgers has hailed the midfielder, now 19, for his hard work since then – and earned his place in the 5-1 win over Aberdeen.
Rodgers said: “It was 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.”
It meant a lot to Bonnar too. He was captured on Sky Sports cameras hugging family and friends in the stands after his big moment and after wards he admitted “it’s hard to put into words”.
He told Celtic TV: “It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was wee, so just getting the call up and being able to come on is just… class.
Mill United ex-players
Some famous faces have played at the Hamilton club
- Barry Ferguson
- Paul Hartley
- Derek Ferguson
- Lewis Ferguson
- Steven Lawless
“It’s crazy, you know, training with [the first team], I’ve been up recently every day, just seeing what they’re all about and being amongst it just makes you feel class.
“They don’t stop. It makes it easier coming on, because of the pace they’re playing at.
“It just motivates me even more, especially training with them, the quality of them, being able to keep up, it’s just good confidence boost.
“I’m just grateful he’s trusted me enough to step on our pats where they’re well and just said, enjoy it, just make sure you’re focused and I just enjoy it.”
Bonnar’s Celtic deal runs until 2026.
Beyond his ten minute cameo on Tuesday night, he’s played 20 times in the Lowland League for Celtic B – chipping in with five goals.
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