Former Celtic starlet Cameron Harper revealed that a lack of first-team opportunities sparked his exit for the New York Red Bulls.
Harper moved to Glasgow's east end from Pateadores SC in 2018, after being scouted by Tommy Burns ’ son, Jonny, and was tipped for big things.
The attacker made his first-team debut in January this year in a 1-1 draw against Hibs with the squad decimated by Covid safety measures.
However, the 19-year-old was sent back to the reserves and did not go on to make another top team appearance.
New boss Kevin Thelwell has offered Harper a route to the starting line-up, which the winger says convinced him to make the MLS move earlier this year.
He told the Bulls' website: "Obviously Celtic are in a bit of a rebuild because they haven’t been the best this year.
"Some of the older guys are on the way out, but I felt like I developed really well there in three years and I felt like I learned a lot of things there, and got coached by some great coaches.
"But when I spoke to Red Bull and Kevin Thelwell, his plan for me fit exactly what I envisioned for me in the next few years of my career.
"My mom was on the Zoom call, my dad was on the Zoom call, and obviously they are a bit more wise than I am and they were giving me reasons why they thought it was a great idea.
"It felt right. It felt like they like young, dynamic players who are able to things further up the field and that’s what I think fits my style.
"At Celtic, it can sometimes be hard to break through.
"You only get so many chances, especially in a team that have to win every game, so when I spoke to Kev everything sounded good.
"At my age I need opportunities and they (New York) were very honest with me and said I would get my opportunity if I play well in training, and that’s all you can ask for.
"It’s really good for me. I was obviously with the first team for a little bit and then things went a little bit sour, so I was back in the reserves, but I’m happy to be back with the first-team."
