Millwall complete deal for Celtic midfield prospect Daniel Kelly

Millwall have confirmed the signing of teenage midfielder Daniel Kelly from Celtic.

The 18-year-old had agreed a pre-contract with the Lions which was due to kick on on January 1. The two clubs then negotiated a fresh agreement which means Kelly arrives in the current transfer window.

Millwall head coach Neil Harris told the South London Press: “Dan comes in with real potential to thrive as a Millwall-type midfield player.

“I’ve talked before about him being energetic, box-to-box and a big character – all the traits that a Millwall midfielder needs. But he is very, very young and we have to continue – as we are with Aidomo, Romain and young Alfie – to develop a pathway through to make sure he gets to where we want him to be at the right timeframes.

“We have to make sure we are patient with him. He comes in as a first-team player, not in terms of the U21 group. We have to make sure we control the narrative about fans not getting too excited that he is just going to come in and smash it straight away.

“We all have high hopes for him, but we have to make sure we’re realistic as well.

“Dan goes on that pathway of how do we develop Dan Kelly as quickly and efficiently as possible, to get him to be the best Millwall player we can.

“I gave Billy (Mitchell) his debut at 17 and now he is still in his very young 20s but thrived in the Championship because we developed him at the right speed. Billy has been a great asset for this football club.

“Once the news had broken in Scotland that Dan was leaving the football club, I think it was probably now what is best for all parties?

“The best for Dan Kelly was probably get to Millwall as soon as you can. The best for us was to get him in the building as soon as we can to help him develop but the thought process initially was that he was coming on January 1 after another five or six months of developing.

“Where the news has leaked so early then maybe his position at Celtic was a little bit untenable.

“It probably works for all parties for him to be here four months ahead of schedule.

“What are the advantages of that? Well, he learns our environment and culture – he gets to know the players well and gets to train with them every day. When the opportunity arises at first-team level that he can get experience and showcase his talent.”