Young Celtic star Thomas Hatton buzzing for his Ayr United challenge

Promising Celtic prospect Thomas Hatton has signed a season long loan deal with Scottish Championship side Ayr United, and he’s absolutely ‘buzzing’ for the challenge that awaits him…

The 20 year old revealed his delight in his first interview since his arrival at Somerset Park.

The confident youngster said to Ayr United’s media outlets: “I’m buzzing. Can’t wait to get started. It’s been brewing for a couple of weeks now. So, ready to get going.

“I hope to be involved, hope to get a chance. See what I can do. I’m direct, fast, I run at people. You can expect to see goals and assists.”

Thomas was in attendance at Rugby Park in the recent Premier Sports Cup Ayrshire Derby, and despite the Honest Men falling to a 3-2 defeat, he was impressed with what he saw, and thinks he can bring something to Gary Naysmith’s side.

He added: “Yes, I watched the game. Good performance. I think we deserves a lot more for the game, I think we just lacked a bit of squad depth and that’s what I’m hoping to add to.”

Hatton impressed the Celtic supporters in a short cameo against AC Milan, his manager Martin O’Neill was also impressed and gave him a glowing endorsement.

The veteran Irishman said afterwards: “Tam (Hatton) has been with us the whole pre-season. It would be nice if he could feature more often. The same with Sean McArdle. Tam, I just congratulated him for his spell on the field. He is prepared to take people on. That’s a dying art, which is great, so he will get all the encouragement in the world.

“Now he is a young lad making his way in the game. Really encouraging. Obviously a battle on to try and get into the side, like anything else, but I was really impressed by him, as I have been impressed with his attitude during all of pre-season.”

Young Thomas Hatton now has a chance to sharpen those skills on a regular basis. Let’s hope his time on the coast is a huge success. The experience will do him the world of good as he eyes a place in the Celtic first team squad in the coming seasons.