It may be a sign of the times in Scottish football that one of the most intriguing captures of the recent transfer window was the loan signing of a 19-year-old.

When you factor in though that the player in question was one of Celtic’s hottest prospects, Aidan Nesbitt, then the interest around the deal to take him to Partick Thistle is readily understandable.

Make no mistake, this young attacking prodigy is regarded in the highest of terms – not just at Celtic Park, but in the Scottish game as a whole – as one of the country’s brightest talents.

It is therefore quite the coup that Thistle have pulled off in securing his services, even in the short-term, and he is hoping he can show just why his stock is so high during his stay in Maryhill.

“The fans can expect creativity in behind the striker,” he said.

“I love setting up goals and scoring goals, that’s what I try my best to do in every game.

“I don’t play as a striker but I’ve been scoring a lot of goals this season in the under-20’s. I’m aware though that this is obviously a different level and I’m going to be playing against experienced defenders, but it’s something that I feel I’m ready to take the step up to.

“I’m hoping to get game-time and first-team experience at a really high level while I’m here. There aren’t many people that come out on loan and stay in the same division as the team that they play for, so hopefully I can get as many games as I can, with the added bonus that I will be playing against the same defenders that Celtic will be playing against.

“Hopefully that will set me in good stead when I go back there.”

Nesbitt had a whirlwind weekend as the January window drew to a close, scoring twice against Rangers for Celtic’s development squad on the same day that the deal was agreed for him to join the Jags.

He is grateful though for the way he has quickly been welcomed into the Thistle squad.

He said: “I was told on the Friday that I’d be playing against Rangers on the Monday, but that there was also a good chance that I would be going out on loan, so I went to the game and played.

“It was all positive because we won the game and then I got to come here, which I’m excited about.

“The boys have been brilliant, they’re a good set of lads and have been very welcoming. They’ve been great and I’m just looking forward to getting some games now.”

Nesbitt has gained something of a reputation for the spectacular in his short career, and one of his goals as he netted a hat-trick against HJK Helsinki in the UEFA Youth League was named one of the top strikes of that season’s competition.

While he admits it would be nice to light up Firhill with something similar, making a positive overall contribution before he returns to try to break into Ronny Deila’s thoughts is his top priority.

“I suppose I’ve got that reputation and I’ll try my best to do it here,” he said.

“First and foremost I’m just hoping to do the best I can for Partick Thistle, and if I score a few spectacular goals along the way then that’s a bonus.

“I definitely think I’ll get a chance when I go back to Celtic. The gaffer spoke to me just before I came and said it would be a good experience, and that I’ll be back in his plans for the start of next season.

“I’ve signed a contract for another three-and-a-half years, so there’s plenty of time for me.

“It will be difficult to get into the first team at Partick Thistle though, because there are some great players here. That’s what I’m focusing on for now and hopefully I can make a contribution.”