A few years back, Dane Murray’s Celtic journey looked to be closing before it ever truly began. Injuries, lost minutes, and a stalled development left the young defender drifting from the conversation.
Once a bright prospect under Ange Postecoglou, he seemed on course to fade into memory. Yet in 2025, the story has turned. At 22, stronger, sharper, and far more commanding, Murray is forcing his way back into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
Rodgers clearly values him. He was set to start the Glasgow Derby in January, only for a thigh strain to hand Maik Nawrocki the role instead. Since then, whenever fit, Murray has shown exactly why his manager sees promise.
Against Ajax in Como, Celtic were soundly beaten, but Murray’s presence in the first half stood out. Composed on the ball and assured in his duels, he drew the admiration of fans both inside the stadium and watching from afar.
With him marshalling the defence, Celtic looked structured and competitive, creating chances they failed to convert.
When Murray and Kieran Tierney were withdrawn at the interval, the collapse that followed underlined his growing importance. His influence was missed immediately.
Still young, he combines physical power with composure in possession. The “injury-prone” label that once shadowed him is slowly being replaced by recognition of resilience.
Pre-season minutes against Queen’s Park in Glasgow only reinforced the sense that he’s building momentum at the right time.
Celtic’s central defence lacks depth, and with Rodgers preparing for a demanding campaign across multiple fronts, Murray may now be trusted to shoulder responsibility.