Celtic youngster Ben McPherson joins Championship club Queen's Park on season long loan

Celtic youngster Ben McPherson has joined Queen’s Park on a season long loan deal.

The 19-year-old right-back was heavily involved in pre-season with the Scottish champions as Brendan Rodgers included him for friendlies in Japan, Portugal and Dublin.

He has now signed for Robin Veldman’s ambitious Championship side as they look to go one better than last season and secure promotion to the top-flight.

A Scotland youth international, McPherson has been capped at under-16, under-19 and under-21 levels for the national team.

Both Glasgow clubs confirmed the move on Thursday.

The teenager, who has been third-choice right-back at the Hoops behind Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston, said: “After a good period in pre-season with Celtic, both the club and I felt that a loan move would be ideal for my further development.

“There was interest from other clubs, but once I had spoken to Marijn Beuker and Robin Veldman about the project and philosophy at Queen’s Park, I felt it would be a first-class opportunity for me to continue to learn and develop at a very progressive club.

“I am here to work hard and to give 110% effort to the club, staff, my colleagues on the pitch, and most importantly the fans.”

The Spiders narrowly missed out on the Championship title last season under former boss Owen Coyle, despite leading the pack for most of the season.

They were defeated by Dundee in the final day league decider before also falling at the play-off stage.

Director of Football Marijn Beuker said: “We are happy to have taken Ben in on loan for this season. We were looking for a modern wing back who is dynamic, pacey and equally solid in defending. Ben fits that profile very well.

“We have two really promising right backs in Young Queen’s Park and in our Under-18s, so we were looking particularly for a loan signing in this position as to not block their pathway in the coming years.

“Ben is therefore an ideal fit for the development of our team.”