“Aidan was brilliant for us,” Young Celt Rice stars in emergency loan at ICT

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The Celtic Star

·29 mars 2025

“Aidan was brilliant for us,” Young Celt Rice stars in emergency loan at ICT

Teenage Celtic goalkeeper Aidan Rice was satisfied with his display in Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s 1-1 draw against Alloa last Saturday…

Aidan Rice joined Inverness Caley Thistle on an emergency loan from Celtic FC where he has beeb a B-Team keeper this season. Photo ICT FC.

The 18-year-old joined Inverness on a one-match emergency loan last week, as their first-choice goalkeeper Musa Dibaga was on international duty with Gambia.

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Rice stepped in to start against Alloa over the weekend and delivered an impressive performance, making crucial saves as his loan team earned a point.

Great opportunity for young Celtic keeper

Speaking post-match to the Press and Journal, Rice said: “It was a quick turnaround, but it was good to get the opportunity to play men’s football in front of the fans, and it was up to me to take it.”

Caravaggio, Italy, 23rd October 2024. Aidan Rice of Celtic looks on during the line up prior to the UEFA Youth League match at Stadio Comunale di Caravaggio, Caravaggio. Photo Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage

“It was a good atmosphere, so I enjoyed it. I was pleased with my performance. It was a case of turning up on the day and making the saves – that’s what you need to do. I thought the boys deserved to get the win, we played well, but it was up to us to go and take our chances.”

Has previously trained with Celtic first team

Aidan Rice has previously joined Celtic’s first team for training and has been a consistent presence in goal for their B team this season.

He was impressed by the quality of Inverness’ squad, however. “As soon as I came in, I could see it was a really good young group here,” he said.

Caravaggio, Italy, 23rd October 2024. Colin Meldrum Celtci FC Goalkeeping Coach discusses with Aidan Rice of Celtic as they leave the field of play at half time in the UEFA Youth League match at Stadio Comunale di Caravaggio, Caravaggio. Photo Jonathan Moscrop / Sportimage

“I came up on Wednesday and I was staying with Remi Savage. I trained on Thursday and Friday and then into the game at the weekend.”

‘This was his first game at this level”

Scott Kellacher was equally delighted by Rice’s performance. The Inverness manager stated: “Aidan was brilliant for us, and I was delighted for him. This was his first game at this level.”

Next up for Kellacher’s men is Queen of the South away as they aim to stay clear of the relegation playoff spot. Inverness were handed a 15-point deduction earlier this season, but are only eight points of the playoff places with six games remaining.

Conor Spence

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