Celtic have entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Dumbarton, the League Two side have confirmed.
Two young players, goalkeeper Aidan Rice and midfielder Owen Hartington, immediately head to the Rock to get some first team experience under their belts.
A Dumbarton statement reads: "We’re delighted to announce a Cooperation Agreement with SPFL Premiership champions Celtic for the 2026/27 campaign.
"Goalkeeper Aidan Rice and midfielder Owen Hartington have both joined the club on loan under the partnership, which was introduced last year following the findings of the Scottish FA’s Transition Report published in 2024 which showed that there hadn’t been enough opportunities for younger players between the age of 16 and 21 to play senior football.
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"It then allows players under the age of 21 and eligible for the Scotland National Team to move between their parent club and partner clubs freely, outside of transfer windows."
Dumbarton boss Frank McKeown said: “We have been in communication with Celtic and working on the details for a number of months. I am confident that this will be a beneficial partnership for both Dumbarton and Celtic.
“Both Aidan and Owen have been terrific additions to our squad and are learning every week in a competitive League Two environment. My thanks goes to Chris McCart and everyone at Celtic, as well as those behind the scenes at Dumbarton, for their work to get the co-operation agreement in place.
“We’re looking forward to working with Celtic and their young players over the course of the season and supporting them in the next stage of their development.”
