Manager’s Delight at Signing Former Celtic Youngster
Dunfermline Athletic recently made an exciting addition to their squad with the signing of former Celtic youngster, Owen Moffat, on loan from Blackpool. The move has left the Pars’ manager, James McPake upbeat about the 21 year old attacking player, and he didn’t hold back in expressing his delight.
Owen Moffat, who had been a part of the Celtic family since the tender age of seven, embarked on a new adventure when he made the move from Celtic Park to Blackpool in the summer of 2022. Fast forward to last Friday, and Moffat found himself closing the loan deal that brought him to Dunfermline, ready to make his mark in Scottish football once again. Manager James McPake had nothing but praise for the young talent, and his words truly reflected his excitement around Moffat’s arrival.
He has been excellent since he came in, he probably needs some more minutes just to get him up to speed. He is a real livewire, he trains excellent every day and there is real intensity to his training. We are enjoying working with him, he will be available for Saturday- unless something happens to him,” said James, highlighting Moffat’s immediate impact in training.
McPake’s admiration for the young Scotsman doesn’t stop there. He also touched upon the Celtic connection, which makes Moffat’s presence even more special. “Since I have been involved in academy football the Celtic team were always the best. Owen played in that team and then the relationship with Darren O’Dea at Celtic. We did try and we made an offer to Owen last summer but he wanted to go to England, and having played down there, I would probably have done the same myself if I’m honest.”
It’s clear that McPake holds Moffat in high regard and recognises the potential he brings to the team. Moffat’s familiarity with some of the personnel at Dunfermline has helped him integrate seamlessly, but his footballing ability is what truly sets him apart.
“He has come up, he is enjoying it, fitting in well with the group. Of course it helps that there are people he knows, but it also helps that he is a very good footballer. So when he comes in, players appreciate good players joining the group, and he has certainly done that,” McPake emphasised.
The manager also believes that Moffat’s confidence has received a significant boost knowing that Dunfermline had their eyes on him long before he joined the club. “He probably would have been one of our first signings when we came in the door; that’s how highly we rated Owen. He has gone from winning cups, training with Celtic’s first team to Blackpool where it has not quite kicked off. He has a real hunger and desire to kick on his career. He is still desperate to go and do well, and I think the way he trains, the way he applies himself, he will be a success in his career, and we are just delighted to be working with him,” McPake concluded.
As we move further into the 2023/24 season, there’s no doubt that Owen Moffat will be one to watch. His talent, coupled with the guidance of the management team bodes well for an exciting chapter in Moffat’s footballing journey. If the 21 year olds’ 31 minutes at Inverness last Saturday is anything to go by, The Pars’ faithful can anticipate some sparkling performances as they welcome Owen to the ranks.
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