Daniel Kelly of Celtic vies with Stuart Knight of Buckie Thistle during the Celtic vs Buckie Thistle Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Last season, Millwall finished 13th in the English Championship and although they had hoped for a better performance this season, the Lions failed to win their opening game, leaving their performance to be desired.

According to a report in the Daily Record, they are now hoping to sign Kelly to strengthen their squad. The 18-year-old has rejected several contract offers from the Scottish champions and was subsequently left out of the first team by Brendan Rodgers.

: Celtic’s Daniel Kelly is seen during the Scottish Cup match Celtic vs Buckie Thistle at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Despite appearing and putting in impressive performances in elite competitions such as the Champions League last season, he will have to play football in the Lowland League until his contract expires at the end of the year.

Rodgers spoke about the player last month, saying: “Daniel has been offered a really, really good contract. A contract that would secure him a place in the first team so he could play, perform and develop.”

“I spoke to the agents and players a few months ago and told them that if we don’t get this sorted by the summer, it will be very difficult to go into pre-season with the team.”

February 28, 2024 Celtic Park, Scottish Premiership Football, Celtic vs Dundee Daniel Kelly of Celtic shoots and scores to make it 7-0. Photo ActionPlus David Young

Kelly caught the eye at the Hoops last season when Brendan Rodgers gave him a chance and even managed to score his first first-team goal on his debut in the 7-1 win over Dundee at Paradise.

His impressive performances have attracted interest from across Europe, with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen reportedly also keeping an eye on the midfielder.

There was hope that he would sign a new contract, especially since he is a Celtic fan, but his time with the Celtics seems to be all but over.

Daniel Kelly celebrates his goal during the Celtic v Dundee match, Scottish Premiership, football, Celtic Park, February 28, 2024. Photo: Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

Rocco Vata left Celtic last month to join Watford, who, like Millwall, are a lower-tier English Championship team. It makes sense, especially as both players are Celtic fans themselves.

Kelly’s move to Bayer Leverkusen would be understandable given his dream, but his move to Millwall is puzzling to say the least, especially given that Brendan Rodgers gave him plenty of playing time last season and would have added even more playing time had he signed for Celtic.

Celtic’s Daniel Kelly speaks with Brendan Rodgers, Celtic v Dundee, cinch Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, – February 28, 2024. Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

But like Rocco, it’s Daniel’s decision, it’s his career and he has to do what he thinks is right. Good luck at Millwall. Hopefully he gives 100% for the Celtic B team until his Celtic contract ends at the end of the year.

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