11-goal midfielder lifts lid on his ‘incredible’ season amid reports Celtic want him

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Reported Celtic target Liam Donnelly has spoken about his “incredible” season from a personal perspective amid speculation linking the Motherwell man with a switch to Parkhead.

The Northern Irishman has enjoyed a great second season at Fir Park, with 11 goals and two assists in all competitions, and was linked with Neil Lennon’s Bhoys by Belfast Live in January.

Donnelly, who was switched from defence to midfield, subsequently told the Daily Record: “I saw the links with Celtic, but they are just rumours. I don’t think there is too much in it.

“It’s flattering. It’s nice when you are linked with other teams. It shows you are doing all right and performing well.”

Since the January transfer window slammed shut, Donnelly’s form tailed off somewhat, with just one goal in the league, as well as missing Well’s last two matchday squads through suspension.

However, the 24-year-old is still pleased with his season overall, telling the Scottish Sun: “This season has been incredible for me, even though it was a bit surprising. After my first year I don’t think anyone would have thought it would have gone this well.

“I felt I owed (Motherwell boss Steve Robinson) after the disappointment of the first season. I wanted to repay him. I wanted to hit the ground running and get a place in the team and, thankfully, I’ve done that.

“I moved into midfield and it was all new to me, but I got off to a flying start and scored a few goals, which really helped me. Goals weren’t something I have been known for in my career so far, so that was a surprise to me!”

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Even though Donnelly’s form tailed off in February and wasn’t available for his side’s last two games prior to the suspension, Donnelly has nonetheless been arguably Motherwell’s best player so far this season.

The versatile 24-year-old, who can also operate in defence, has done superbly since being pushed up into midfield, and as such, it’s not surprising that links with Celtic emerged in the January transfer window.

Realistically though, does Donnelly have what it takes to dislodge the current crop in the best team in the country, particularly bearing in mind that he’s only properly taken to playing in midfield this season?