A CELTIC and Scotland starlet spent two nights in a police cell after he was caught carrying a knife in the street.
Ryan Caird, 16, had the four-inch blade in his tracksuit top pocket at 7.40pm one Saturday night in February.
He was searched by police in his home town of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, and spent two nights behind bars
before appearing at the city’s sheriff court.
before appearing at the city’s sheriff court.
Last week, he returned to court where he admitted a knife possession charge. He will be sentenced next month.
The highly-rated midfielder plays for Celtic’s under-17s and the Scotland under-16 team.
Last year, he played in four under-16 internationals, including a 1-0 away defeat to England
In an under-15s match against Russia last May, he scored both goals to earn Scotland a draw after trailing 2-0.
The teenager moved from Cathkin Secondary to St Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch, who have a partnership with Celtic.
Players considered “elite” are moved to be taught there and train at the club’s nearby Lennoxtown complex.
Caird, who signed a contract for Celtic under-17s in July, was with friends in Cambuslang’s Tabernacle Lane when police spotted him. He was shouting and swearing and walking backwards away from the group towards the police with his hands in the air.
Officers asked if he had any alcohol after smelling it and he allowed them to search him.
Caird said: “The reason I had the item was because I was at a friend’s house fixing a PlayStation game that had gotten stuck and put it in my pocket without thinking.
“It has had a big impact on my career but I am happy with and appreciate the support from Celtic, Scotland and my school.
“It was torture spending a weekend in custody.
“I thought I was dreaming, it didn’t feel real.”
Defence lawyer Ross Yuill said Caird’s school reported that he has never had any behaviour issues and described him as “a nice boy who gets on with staff.”
Caird has apologised for bringing shame on his club. He told the Sunday Mail: “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I have learned my lesson.”
Celtic declined to comment.
SFA performance director Mark Wotte and head of youth Chris McCart have expressed shock at Caird’s crime.
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