Celtic Finally Unveil Landon Emenalo as Number 12 Arrives
Chelsea teenager finally gets his Celtic welcome as supporters await his first appearance for Martin O'Neill.
Phillip Cooney 
Celtic have officially welcomed Landon Emenalo to Paradise, unveiling the young Chelsea loanee in the famous green and white Hoops with the number 12 shirt.
The club’s social media announcement was short and sweet: “Our number 12 is here.”
And after weeks of waiting to see the youngster involved, it is encouraging to see another new face preparing for life at Celtic Park.
However, there is an important distinction. Emenalo signed for Celtic in September. This is his official photographic welcome rather than confirmation of a new transfer.
Who Is Celtic’s New Number 12?
Emenalo is an 18-year-old American-born defender who joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
He is the son of Michael Emenalo, the former Chelsea technical director and Nigeria international.
The youngster joined Chelsea’s academy aged seven and developed into a regular performer for their Under-21 side.
He also featured during Chelsea’s senior pre-season preparations, gaining valuable experience alongside established first-team players.
Although primarily viewed as a left-back at Celtic, he is comfortable playing in midfield too.
That versatility could become particularly useful for Martin O’Neill.
Celtic Finally Have Some Encouraging News
What makes today’s announcement particularly welcome is the uncertainty surrounding Emenalo’s fitness.
The teenager arrived carrying an injury and has yet to make his competitive Celtic debut.
O’Neill recently indicated that he hoped the youngster would begin training with his new teammates this week.
With Kieran Tierney’s fitness also attracting attention, having another natural option on the left could prove important.
However, a photographic unveiling does not automatically mean Emenalo is ready for selection.
His progress on the training ground will determine when supporters finally see him in action.
Now Celtic Need to See What He Can Offer
I have always believed Celtic should be looking to develop exciting young players, particularly those who arrive with the pedigree of Chelsea’s academy behind them.
But there is another side to that argument.
Celtic cannot simply become a finishing school for Premier League clubs. Loan signings must improve our own team, not merely provide experience for somebody else’s prospects.
Emenalo deserves every opportunity to prove himself.
He is young, clearly talented and now has the chance to show what he can do in front of 60,000 Celtic supporters.
Welcome to Paradise, Landon.
Now let’s hope that number 12 shirt becomes a familiar sight on the pitch, not just in the photographs.
This says a lot about our own academy,it is ridiculous that we bring in a young player from outside instead of having/giving one of our own 18year old players to promote. Is our own scouting and development of young players so bad !!!. If it is then surely the scouts and coaches at this level are not doing the job and need to be replaced with proper professionals,rather than ex-players and the obligatory Irish connections. This again is another example of the boards ineptitude.