Leo Hjelde in Celtic mystery as Leeds United transfer target ruled out from Europa League squad

Celtic youngster Leo Hjelde has been excluded from his Europa League squad to face AZ Alkmaar as a departure looms.

The young Norwegian is wanted by Leeds United as the Premier League side are on the verge of a deal.

Hjelde was part of the Europa League squad to face Czech team Jablonec, but has now been ruled out from the pool of Ange Postecoglou for the play-off round.

New signing James McCarthy has been registered with the squad, but his arrival wouldn’t mean his fellow midfielder can’t be included.

Hjelde signed a professional contract with Celtic in July 2019, which would normally mean he can be on the club’s B list for young players.

However, UEFA rules state: “A player may be placed on List B if he was born on or after 1 January 2000 and has been eligible to play for the club concerned for an uninterrupted period of two years since his 15th birthday at the time of registration with UEFA, or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club of the same association for a period not exceeding one year. “

Since Hjelde has been on loan for six months at Ross County, he cannot enter Team B directly.

However, the fact that Liam Shaw and Luca Connell were included before Hjelde will be considered significant.

Besides, there are no real surprises in the Celtic squad as they seek to secure their place in the group stage.

Celtic team from Alkmaar:

Joe hart

Vasily Barkas

Scott Bain

Ryan mullen

Conor Danger

Greg taylor

Carl Starfelt

Boli Bolingoli

Osaze Urhoghide

Dane murray

Kerr McInroy

Etienne Welsh

Anthony ralston

Nir Bitton

Kyogo Furuhashi

Liel abada

Liam shaw

Ismailia Soro

Callum McGregor

James forrest

Leigh griffiths

Tom rogic

James mccarthy

Luca Connel

Scott robertson

Ewan Henderson

Albian Ajeti

David Turnbull

Ryan christie

Mikey johnston

Odsonne Edouard

Adam montgomery

Owen Moffat

Karamoko Dembele