FORMER Wanderers youngster Luca Connell has reportedly been released by Scottish champions Celtic.

Connell joined the Whites’ youth ranks at the Under-9s age group and broke into the first team picture under Phil Parkinson during the 2018/19 season.

The midfielder’s performances in the Championship earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad.

However, he was prized away by Celtic for a paltry fee the following summer amid Wanderers’ administration problems.

But opportunities have been hard to come by for Connell at Celtic Park and the youngster failed to make a competitive appearance for the first team.

The 21-year-old spent the past couple of seasons on loan at Queen’s Park, helping the club win back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.

He scored seven goals in 31 appearances last term as the Spiders overcame Airdrie in the play-off final under Owen Coyle.

Connell also played alongside former Bolton academy team-mate Ronan Darcy at Queen’s Park last season.

Celtic decided not to take up an option to extend the midfielder’s deal for a further 12 months, according to a report by The Scottish Daily Express.

The club are yet to confirm the news but the 21-year-old is now said to be considering his options on both sides of the border.

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