Tyrone man to play for Celtic
1st April 2011 | By: Catherine-Wylie | Comments Off on Tyrone man to play for Celtic
Paul Hughes in action on the field
Like many young men, Paul Hughes enjoys a kick about with his mates, but he’ll be doing much more than that when he lines out for Celtic at Parkhead in May.
The Dungannon man, whose father Dessie was born and raised in Newtownkelly, has won a competition to play for the Glasgow side after beating off almost 10,000 hopefuls.
“It came as quite a shock really. I was selected to be in the final 120 that went to ‘Bootcamp’ at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training facility last Saturday. Former Celtic players Chris Sutton and Frank McAvennie were on hand to select 30 players to take part in the final match.
“I got an email yesterday saying I had made it through the trials and would be taking part in the match. We get to stay in a team hotel the night before,” said the 23-year-old student.
The match, which is in aid of the Celtic Charity Fund, will be between two teams of Celtic fans, with a few legends such as John Hartson, Chris Sutton, Frank McAvennie and Bobby Petta taking part.
For any Celtic fan this is a huge honour, and although he is very much looking forward to the day, Paul is confident that he won’t forget his Tyrone roots.
“I’m very excited. Going to watch football being played at Parkhead is special enough, but to play there myself will be unforgettable. Most of the lads are quite jealous but I’ll bring back a few souvenirs for them,” he said.
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