Top prospect Aaron Hickey has opened the door to a potential transfer to boyhood heroes Celtic in the future.
The left-back has revealed that there was interest from the Glasgow giants while he was making the breakthrough at Hearts.
In the end the 18-year-old opted for a switch to Serie A last summer with Bologna after leaving Tynecastle.
However, he wouldn't rule out a return to Scottish football if the interest was revived at Parkhead.
Hickey told The Herald : "Celtic came in a lot and I was excited and happy about it.
"I don't know if it was the right option for me, though, because of the deal or something.
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"I'm a Celtic supporter and it was massive for me, but I just didn't think it was the right time to go there.
"I wouldn't ever rule it out down the line, who knows."
Hickey remains a dark horse to be included by Steve Clarke in the Scotland squad for Euro 2020, with Kieran Tierney, Andy Robertson and Greg Taylor seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.
The left-sided defender is keeping his focus on club football as he admitted surgery could be on the cards at the end of the campaign after dislocating his shoulder.
He said: "At some point I'll have to get surgery and I think it's two-and-a-half months out after that.
"I don't really want to miss pre-season so hopefully I don't have to get it any time soon."
