Celtic Set to Send Jude Bonnar on Loan to Ayr United Through Scott Brown Connection
Celtic are expected to loan rising midfield talent Jude Bonnar to Ayr United, leveraging their strong ties with club legend Scott Brown, who now manages the Championship side.
According to Record Sport, the 19-year-old is highly rated by manager Brendan Rodgers and will make the move to Somerset Park to gain valuable first-team experience in the Scottish Championship.
Development Plan Underway for Bonnar
The loan deal is part of Celtic’s broader strategy to give promising players meaningful senior minutes outside of the B team. Bonnar has impressed for Stephen McManus’ side, racking up 57 appearances, 10 goals, and 3 assists. His performances earned him a first-team debut in February against Aberdeen a 1-0 win that marked a major milestone in his development.
Now, the next step is game time at a senior level and Brown’s Ayr United offers the perfect environment.
Scott Brown: Key to Celtic’s Youth Pipeline
Scott Brown, one of Celtic’s most iconic captains, has continued to support the club’s development pathway since transitioning into management. During his time at Fleetwood Town, Brown helped nurture young Hoops prospects like Bosun Lawal and Adam Montgomery, who both made progress during their loans under his watch.
Brown is now aiming to guide Ayr United back to the Premiership after their recent playoff defeat to Partick Thistle and Celtic see the project as an ideal stage for Bonnar’s growth.
Pathways Manager Shaun Maloney Also Involved
The move also aligns with the vision of Celtic’s recently-appointed First Team Pathways Manager, Shaun Maloney. The former Celtic winger and Scotland international has been tasked with ensuring smooth transitions for academy players aiming to break into the first team.
With his own experience as a former youth product who became a key first-team contributor and later a manager with spells at Wigan and Hibernian Maloney is expected to be influential in guiding talents like Bonnar.
What This Means for Celtic
Sending Bonnar to work under Scott Brown isn’t just a tactical move it’s a sign of how Celtic are leaning into their network of trusted former players to help shape the club’s future on and off the pitch. The Hoops are doubling down on long-term development, ensuring their next generation is properly battle-tested before making the leap to the Premiership.
Should Bonnar shine in the Championship, he could follow the path laid out by the likes of Callum McGregor and James Forrest going from promising youth to first-team regular.
Final Thought
Jude Bonnar’s loan to Ayr United could mark a crucial step in Celtic’s next midfield star’s rise, while reaffirming the value of the Scott Brown pipeline. Fans will be watching closely as the youngster embarks on what could be a defining season in his career.
