Dane Murray lifts lid on Celtic ball boy memories with youngster ready to be thrown in Champions League deep end

The defender scored his first Hoops' goal in the Premier Sports Cup victory against Falkirk

There are several Celtic stars who have made the journey from ball boy to the Champions League big time at Parkhead.

But few have had to take a winding path like Dane Murray.

The big defender is dreaming of joining Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston in the band of Bhoys who got to help out their heroes from the sidelines as kids and then became star turns on the pitch.

And the opportunity would be all the sweeter for Murray after being forced to wait almost four years to kick on after getting a taste as a teenager.

The centre back was launched into the Hoops side in former boss Ange Postecoglou’s early days in charge with high-pressure initiations in the Champions League qualifiers against Midtjylland in 2021.

But a couple of brutal cruciate injuries back-to-back threatened his career never mind halting his progress.

Murray has put the heartache behind him and forced his way back into boss Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

He celebrated a new contract on Friday morning with a start and a goal in the Premier Sports Cup win against Falkirk and is now dreaming of completing his dream of walking out at Celtic Park in the Champions League.

Celts will need to see off Kairat Almaty this week to get back to the big time and Murray said: “It definitely makes it all worth it. You think back on hard things, but it really stands you in good stead and puts you in a good place to win, ultimately, the chance that this comes, you go and take it.

“It helps a lot when you've got a manager like him that trusts you and puts you into games like this, and then I'm just grateful for every opportunity that he gives me.

“It's just about being on it every day in training, making sure I'm ready that when my chance does come, I'm ready to take it.”

Murray can handle anything after being lobbed in at the deep end four years ago.

He said: “I think it all happened very quickly. I was 18 at the time, it was all maybe too quick for me, or too early, but I think now I'm definitely ready to take that chance.

“It was a crazy, crazy time back then. I was young and it was covid times as well, so it was a lesser crowd. I think it's different for games like this when it's packed out.

“But when you're that young, you just want to take every opportunity you can get, regardless. I felt the pressure a wee bit, but I just took it in my stride.”

Murray’s positive attitude got him through some dark times – along with the backing of his loved ones and Hoops assistant boss John Kennedy, who knows exactly about the anguish of serious injury.

The defender said: “I did my cruciate twice, so that was pretty much two years out of the game. For me personally, I'm just quite a get-on-with-it kind person, so that's what I did, just got on with it.

“You think the worst, but ultimately, I'm quite an optimistic person, so it's how do I bounce back from this, how do I get myself in the right frame of mind to ultimately go again, and have another crack at it.

“I've got a lot of time for the people that help me along the way, my family, my friends, my girlfriend Yasmin as well, everybody that helped me along the way, as I say, I'm very thankful for that.

“Kendo went through a rough time himself as a player, so I can always lean on him if I need help with anything.

“He's been on a bit of a long journey, as he said himself, and just helped me along the way, so I'm really grateful for the time he gave me.”

Murray is also inspired by the Scottish core of the Celtic side – and his fellow former ball boy crew. He said: “I can't really remember what games, it was that long ago, but there were few of the big ones.

“Going from a ball boy to then playing in it, when I did, and then being a part of it now, it's crazy. It's been a long journey, but I'm just loving every minute.

“This is what I want to be. Look at the players that have been here and done it. For me, it's just a real driving force to go and do what they've done at this club.

“It really gives you a lot of inspiration coming through, seeing these guys and what they've won. You've got guys like James here, who's the most decorated player at the club.

“He’s probably sick of people saying that, to be honest, but you can look at guys like him and Cal and then KT coming back as well, it's really inspiring. I think it's always been a factor at this club, so hopefully I can be a part of it as well.”

The deep end was calling again last season when he made a late sub appearance against Aston Villa, where his slip up led to a late fourth for the EPL big guns.

You live and learn but he’s ready to answer the call if he gets the shout to face Kairat in Wednesday’s Champions League play-off first leg showdown.

He said: “You dream of Champions League and nights like that, going out and playing, so we'll see what happens.

“That was a bit crazy at Villa Park. I think there was maybe ten minutes left, and it wasn't a great night for myself – thanks for reminding me!

“I was just grateful for the opportunity. That's the goal for this team, is making it through the Champions League and getting as far as we can.

“It’s definitely a big game under the lights here. I just hope the boys can go out there and do their best. It was a good performance one Friday, so hopefully we can roll it into Wednesday.”