Why Jude Bonnar wants to follow Celtic captain’s example

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The Celtic Star

·2 avril 2025

Why Jude Bonnar wants to follow Celtic captain’s example

Celtic youngster wants to follow Callum McGregor example after first team taste…

Jude Bonnar signs for Celtic. Photo: Celtic FC

Celtic youngster Jude Bonnar has revealed that he wants to emulate club captain Callum McGregor. The young midfielder made his debut in the 5-1 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park in February and has been catching the manager’s eye with some outstanding performances for the Celtic’s B Team.

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Jude Bonnar made his Celtic debut against Aberdeen

Brendan Rodgers promoted Bonnar to the first team picture at Lennoxtown so he can weigh up the talented youngster’s strengths and weaknesses. With Paulo Bernardo having picked up an injury, the manager decided to put Bonnar on in the closing stages of the demolition of Jimmy Thelin’s Dons.

22 February 2025; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scottish Premiership Hibs v Celtic; Jude Bonnar of Celtic arrives for the match. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Speaking after the game to Celtic TV, Bonnar revealed that he watches McGregor as he looks to become a regular first team player at the club after getting a taste of first team action.

“In terms of who I look up to, I just watch the captain (McGregor) all the time and see what he does every day. All the Celtic players are top athletes and being around them every day makes me want to be like them. It was a dream come true to get on the pitch for Celtic. It was brilliant. I know I have to keep doing what I am doing and work hard and see where it takes me.”

Bonnar has been outstanding in the Lowland League for the Celtic B Team

Bonnar has scored 5 goals and assisted once in 20 appearances in the Lowland League as Stephen McManus’ side sit in second. The 19-year-old is highly-rated and is expected to continue his upward trajectory.

The midfield berths at Celtic are highly competitive but Bonnar will want to prove that he is more than a one-hit wonder and can force himself into consideration in the first team.

Calmac at Notts County alongside Jack Grealish

Callum McGregor with Jack Grealish playing at Notts County. Photo social media

Callum McGregor too had to bide his time, going away to Notts County before breaking through under Ronny Deila. The Celtic skipper has enjoyed a remarkable career for Celtic and will, along with James Forrest, Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston, highlight the pathway from the youth teams to the first team.

League Cup, Liverpool FC – Notts County FC, Callum McGregor in action against Liverpool during the Football League Cup 2nd Round match at Anfield. 27.08.2013 Photo imago/HochZwei/International PROPAGANDA.

Kieran Tierney, who will return from Arsenal this summer, will also be an excellent example for the youth players coming through and maybe in a few years we’ll be talking about Jude Bonnar and the great example he’s setting for the next wave of Celtic Academy prospects.

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