Josh Clarke’s loan spell at Ayr United under Scott Brown is shaping up to be a crucial period in his development, allowing him to gain first-team experience while maintaining strong ties with Celtic’s coaching staff and senior players. The 20-year-old goalkeeper is benefiting from a dual training setup, spending time at both Somerset Park and Lennoxtown, which provides him with an ideal balance between match action and high-level coaching. His ability to learn from experienced goalkeepers such as Kasper Schmeichel, Scott Bain, and Viljami Sinisalo, as well as Celtic’s long-time goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods, is giving him a unique opportunity to refine his skills and prepare for the next stage of his career.
Having first joined Ayr United on loan last season, Clarke returned in March of this year to assist Brown in the club’s push for promotion to the Scottish Premiership. Since rejoining the club, he has featured in six matches and recently recorded his first clean sheet of the season in a convincing 3-0 victory over Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. His performances have shown glimpses of his potential, and while he may still be adjusting to the demands of regular first-team football, the experience is invaluable for his growth.
One of the biggest benefits of his current setup is the exposure to different coaching styles and competitive environments. At Ayr, Clarke is receiving valuable match experience in a high-pressure setting where results matter, while at Celtic, he continues to be nurtured by some of the best coaching staff in Scotland. His ability to move between the two environments allows him to blend the physical and mental demands of Championship football with the technical refinement that comes from training alongside elite-level professionals.
Clarke himself has spoken highly of the guidance he has received from his Celtic teammates, particularly Schmeichel, Bain, Sinisalo, and the coaching staff. The young goalkeeper has praised Schmeichel’s work ethic and preparation, noting that the veteran shot-stopper is meticulous in his approach to games, using saunas, ice baths, and extensive recovery routines to ensure he is always at his best. Learning from someone with Schmeichel’s pedigree is an invaluable opportunity for Clarke, as it gives him firsthand insight into the level of dedication required to succeed at the highest level.
Schmeichel’s recent injury has also given Clarke another perspective on what it takes to step up when an opportunity arises. Viljami Sinisalo, who spent time on loan at Ayr earlier in his career, was called upon to deputize for Schmeichel in Celtic’s match against Hearts, keeping a clean sheet in a solid performance. Clarke has spoken about how seeing Sinisalo progress from Ayr to Celtic’s first team serves as motivation for him. It reinforces the idea that a successful loan spell at Ayr can be a stepping stone to greater opportunities, and if he continues to develop, he could find himself following a similar path in the near future.
Beyond Sinisalo, Clarke has also drawn inspiration from Luke McCowan, another former Ayr player now playing at Celtic. These examples give him confidence that his time at Somerset Park is more than just a temporary stop—it could be an important chapter in his journey towards becoming a Celtic player. His comments suggest that he is fully aware of what is required to progress, and he is using every available resource to improve his game.
With his contract at Celtic running until the summer of 2027, Clarke has plenty of time to establish himself as a potential first-team option. However, the path to becoming Celtic’s starting goalkeeper is far from straightforward. The competition for the number-one spot at Parkhead is fierce, and Clarke may need further loan spells before he is truly ready to challenge for a place in the squad. His performances at Ayr will be key in determining his future, as Celtic’s coaching staff will be closely monitoring his progress to see whether he has the potential to make the step up.
If Clarke can continue to develop his game, maintain strong performances in the Championship, and show the ability to handle high-pressure situations, he could put himself in contention for a future role at Celtic. However, if he struggles for consistency or finds himself behind other emerging goalkeepers, a longer-term loan strategy or a move elsewhere may become necessary.
Ultimately, Clarke’s time at Ayr is about proving himself, both to Celtic and to himself. By working with experienced players, embracing the high standards expected at Lennoxtown, and making the most of his game time at Somerset Park, he is giving himself the best possible chance to progress. Whether he remains on course to become a first-team option at Celtic or needs additional experience elsewhere will depend on how he performs over the next couple of seasons.
Given his current trajectory, do you believe Clarke has the potential to eventually establish himself at Celtic, or will he need more loan spells before a breakthrough becomes realistic? If Schmeichel and Sinisalo remain at the club long-term, where do you see Clarke fitting into Celtic’s future plans?