Mackay-Steven rejects chance to leave on loan

Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven has turned down the chance to rejoin his former club Dundee United on a four-month loan deal, according to a report by Eric Nicolson of The Courier.

The Tangerines wanted to take the 25-year-old back to Tannadice until January and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was happy for the deal to go through, but the player himself decided that he’d rather stay and fight for his place than go back to United.

Mackay-Steven underwent surgery on his foot in the summer and is yet to see any competitive action this season.

The return of Patrick Roberts from a hamstring injury, as well as the good start to the season from Scott Sinclair and James Forrest, might see Mackay-Steven struggle to get any significant game time in the immediate future.

Ross County were also reportedly keen to take the Scottish international on loan too, but it looks like he wants to stay at Celtic Park and prove his worth to Rodgers.