Celtic Football Club are delighted to announce that Maria McAneny has signed her first professional contract with the Hoops.

The 18-year-old was a product of the club’s modern apprenticeship programme, rising through the Academy before becoming a consistent member of Fran Alonso’s squad.

And now she has put pen to paper on her first professional terms, signing until the summer of 2026.

During the 2021/22 season, the midfielder spent a productive spell out on loan at Hearts where she was nominated for the inaugural PFA Women’s Young Player of the Season award.

McAneny got off the mark with her first goal for the Celts towards the end of last year, scoring in an emphatic victory over Dundee United.

She has gone on to add to that tally in the league and cup, scoring in the fourth and fifth round, helping the Ghirls reach this season’s Scottish Cup final.

The youngster has also had a hand in a number of assists, including setting up Kit Loferski’s late strike to seal a 3-1 victory over Glasgow City at Celtic Park earlier this month.

The teenager’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed at club or international level, grabbing four goals in four appearances for Scotland under-19s.

Reacting to the news of her new deal, she said: “I was 14 when I came to Celtic. After joining the Academy, it was always the aim to play for the first-team one day.

'That feeling of wanting to be a Kelly Clark or a Chloe Craig. Looking up to them and seeing that could be me one day.'

“Coming through the modern apprenticeship with Celtic, to then coming and signing a new deal, I can’t describe how it feels.

“This season has been very special for this team, and this group of girls. I’m so honoured to be able to commit myself to this club and it feels like only the beginning.”

Maria McAneny signs first professional deal with Celtic