Celtic have completed the signing of former Glenavon goalkeeper Josh Clarke. The 18-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Hoops.
Clarke excelled during a short-term stay at Mourneview Park last season, and was then drafted into Ian Baraclough's Northern Ireland squad for May's UEFA Nations League games.
He will now link up with Ange Postecoglou's Celtic who has a number of goalkeepers on the books including number one Joe Hart, Benji Siegist. Scott Bain, Tobi Oluwayemi, Vasillis Barkas and Northern Ireland international Connor Hazard who is currently on loan with HJK Helsinki.
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Clarke started his career at Chelsea's academy before moving on to Bournemouth in 2020. He moved to Glenavon at the tail end of last season when he stepped in for suspended James Taylor to help the Lurgan Blues reach the European play-offs.
Glenavon defender Mark Haughey believes Clarke is ready for the step up.
He recently told Belfast Live : "Josh has been absolutely fantastic. Although he has bags of experience already in a professional set-up, he is an absolute credit to himself and his family.
"For a 17-year-old to come in and perform the way he has speaks volumes about the talent and character of the lad. And in terms of ability, there is no doubt in the near future you will see him playing for Northern Ireland's senior side or in professional football.
"He is very, very composed. Even for someone who was coming into a new set-up at Glenavon, I have been impressed by how mature he is for such a young lad. And also the pure ability he has as a goalkeeper.
"He gives defenders so much confidence. Knowing Josh is behind you gives you that added belief. And to perform the way he does at that age is just phenomenal."
Clarke - who has been on Celtic's radar for quite some time - has bags of international experience having represented England, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland at youth level before earning his first call-up with Northern Ireland.
He is set to go straight into Celtic's B squad where he will compete with shot-stoppers Oluwayemi and Joe Morrison.
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