Nesbitt reveals what Deila told him before his loan move

Aidan Nesbitt has revealed what he was told by manager Ronny Deila before he left Paradise for city rivals Partick Thistle.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila is keen to give the youngster the opportunity to play regular first-team football to help him for next season.

The 19-year-old has come through the Celtic academy, but unlike his fellow team-mate Kieran Tierney he has been limited to only one senior appearance in the Hoops jersey, a very brief substitute appearance against Raith Rovers.

Nesbitt has been lighting up the UEFA Youth League and Celtic will miss his flair, creativity and goal scoring ability tonight when they take on Valencia at Celtic Park with kick-off at 5pm.

Tipped by many as one of the brightest young talents the Scottish game has to offer, Nesbitt will hope to live up to that hype and expectation in his career.

Deila has spoken to him and assured him that he will be in his plans next year – should the Norwegian still be in the Celtic dugout.

As quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times, he said:

First and foremost I’m just hoping to do the best I can for Partick Thistle, and if I score a few spectacular goals along the way then that’s a bonus.

I definitely think I’ll get a chance when I go back to Celtic. The gaffer spoke to me just before I came and said it would be a good experience, and that I’ll be back in his plans for the start of next season.

I’ve signed a contract for another three-and-a-half years, so there’s plenty of time for me.

It will be difficult to get into the first team at Partick Thistle though, because there are some great players here. That’s what I’m focusing on for now and hopefully I can make a contribution.

Partick Thistle pulled off a coup on deadline day to sign the attacking prodigy, and he offered an insight into what the Jags can expect from him over the next three months of his loan.

The fans can expect creativity in behind the striker. I love setting up goals and scoring goals, that’s what I try my best to do in every game.

I don’t play as a striker but I’ve been scoring a lot of goals this season in the under-20’s. I’m aware though that this is obviously a different level and I’m going to be playing against experienced defenders, but it’s something that I feel I’m ready to take the step up to. I’m hoping to get game-time and first-team experience at a really high level while I’m here.

There aren’t many people that come out on loan and stay in the same division as the team that they play for, so hopefully I can get as many games as I can, with the added bonus that I will be playing against the same defenders that Celtic will be playing against.

Nesbitt was an unused substitute in their 1-0 loss to Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup at the weekend but could be involved this weekend against Hearts.