Gillingham have completed the signing of Scott Robertson on a one-year loan deal.
The deal
Robertson, 19, joins the Gills on a temporary basis from Scottish champions Celtic, and is eligible for selection this weekend in the side’s League One opener against Hull City.
He is manager Steve Evans’ 11th signing of the summer and will wear shirt number 20.
BREAKING 📰 | #Gills have clinched the signing of promising @CelticFC midfielder Scott Robertson on a season-long loan. ✍️
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) September 10, 2020
➡️ https://t.co/MtJwXtE8eE. #WelcomeScott pic.twitter.com/55RFn0SJqF
He recently signed a new deal in a Glasgow, keeping him at the club until 2023, and made his debut in last season’s Europa League against CFR Cluj, but for now and the season ahead he is a Gillingham player.
Reaction
Gillingham manager Steve Evans told the club website: “I am incredibly pleased to get Scott to Priestfield. He is somebody I have watched several times and I am very grateful to my friend Neil Lennon for believing we are the right place for Scott to continue his football development.
“We look forward to working with him and his addition will provide strong competition for places in our midfield. He is young, hungry, incredibly talented and I have no doubt the supporters will enjoy watching him as the season progresses. I thank the chairman for getting a deal in place and he will be in contention for a place this weekend.”
🗣 | SE: "I am incredibly pleased to get Scott to Priestfield.
— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) September 10, 2020
"He is somebody I have watched several times and I’m very grateful to my friend Neil Lennon for believing we are the right place for Scott to continue his football development." #Gills pic.twitter.com/YDHoUQQLwF
The player himself added: “I am buzzing to get started. I had a chat with the gaffer at Celtic and this seemed like the perfect fit for me.
“For someone my age, being 19, getting regular first team football is always important. I am delighted to be here.”
What the signing means
Robertson will add depth to Gillingham’s midfield, joining the likes of Kyle Dempsey, Stuart O’Keefe, Jacob Mellis and Matty Willock as the options in the midfield area.
Able to play as a six or an eight, the Scotsman will probably find himself at the top of the pecking order for the defensive midfield spot when it the position is used. We saw Kyle Dempsey play there against Southend United last week, but Robertson is a more natural fit.
The 19-year-old is highly rated in Scotland by both fans and the Celtic management and should be a vital member of Gillingham’s side this season.