Celtic interested in Bowditch

SCOTTISH giants Celtic are the latest club to show an interest in Ipswich Town's teenage striker Dean Bowditch, writes Derek Davis.

The Bhoys ran the rule over the 17-year-old again on Saturday at Rotherham and the scout also included a glowing report on scorer Darren Bent.

Bowditch, who once turned down the chance to join Manchester United's youth set-up to stay with Town's Academy, has been attracting interest for some time but sprang to further prominence when he scored a hat-trick on his home league debut against Watford in front of a live television audience.

It is unlikely that Bhoys boss Martin O'Neill will be looking to use Bowditch straight off as a replacement for top-scorer Henrik Larsson, who is leaving in the summer, but may be looking to groom him for the relatively near future.

The 20-year-old Bent, who has hit 14 goals in 28 league starts appearances this season, has already been linked with Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City.

If Ipswich achieve Premiership promotion they will be able to keep hold of all their young stars.

Ian Westlake has produced a number of eye-catching performances this season, while Matt Richards has impressed after coming through a tough spell earlier in the season.

Celtic have not yet made a formal inquiry about Bowditch but Blues boss Joe Royle is not surprised they have shown an interest.

He added: "We have loads of scouts watching our players, but that is to be expected given how well they have done."

Town have themselves been out looking at players but until they know what division they are going to be in next season it is not easy to complete a short-list.

Someone who is not in their thoughts is Australian striker Scott McDonald at Motherwell despite him being linked with Town in Scotland.

n Northern Ireland young international Sam Morrow, who has had his contract paid up by Town, was yesterday in a Colchester United reserve side beaten 1-0 at Northampton.