It is the moment every single aspiring youngster dreams of when trying to break through in the game – and for Jude Bonnar it was his time.
When the board went up for a double Celtic change with five minutes to go, a number of people could be forgiven for not knowing who was coming on to the pitch when the No.59 was on display. But after joining the club at the age of just seven, years and years of hard graft through the system and in the B team and training field finally paid off for the boy from Hamilton. He got to share that lifetime memory with his family post-match in the stands as he made a beeline to where they were sitting at Parkhead.
It was a journey that started with Mill United and St Mark’s Primary School team. His club side was a route taken by now Rangers boss Barry Ferguson and brother Derek. Paul Hartley – formally of Celtic and Hearts – and now Bologna and Scotland star Lewis Ferguson all had the same up bringing as youngsters and Bonnar now joins those big names as the latest off the conveyor belt.
Who is Jude Bonnar?
Jude Bonnar is a 19-year-old who plays for Celtic. He made his first team debut on February, 25, 2025 against Aberdeen. He’s been at the club since aged seven, coming through the ranks.
How did he arrive at Celtic?
One man who would have been proud as punch last night is former club chairman and manager of his former 2004s side Alan Tait. Speaking back in 2022, after Bonnar put pen to paper on a pro deal at Celtic, his former mentor revealed the star-studded names of whom he followed in the footsteps and how even at such a young age he was a ‘stand out’ talent.
He said: “Jude was 18 months younger than the rest of the boys. But he stood out, even then. He was with us for six years before going into the academy at Celtic.
“The most famous players are the Ferguson’s and Paul Hartley. Steven Lawless at Dunfermline was here for a while, I think. I believe there are many others who came through the ranks here.
“So we have a well-known track record for producing boys who go through academies and into a senior career. From an early stage, around seven or eight, he was really standing out. That’s when Celtic came in.
“He carried on playing with us every weekend until he was 10, so he was standing out. His natural ability was clear to see. His parents deserve great credit for not putting pressure on him and encouraging him.”
What did Brendan Rodgers say about his debut?
“Great for young Jude Bonnar to get his first appearance. He’s working very, very hard with the second team. He’s got a good profile and fits how we want to play. So that is a nice little taster for him.”
Bonnar reveals Rodgers pep talk and sums up debut
“It is hard to put into words. It is something I have dreamt about since I was wee, so just getting a call up and being able to come on was just class.
“It motivates me even more. Just training with them and the quality and being able to keep up. It is a good confidence boost. Grateful he’s trusted me. He said enjoy it and make sure you are focussed.”