Celtic B talent Rocco Vata loving life at Lennoxtown; talks up debut hopes

By David Walton

April 26, 2022

Celtic B talent Rocco Vata has admitted that he hopes to make his first-team debut in the near future as he talked up the Hoops supporters.

Vata has wowed Celtic fans with his exploits in Tommy McIntyre’s B team. Operating in the Lowland League this season, the youngster has been receiving crucial minutes against more physical opposition in a competitive environment.

Rocco has also trained with the senior side on multiple occasions whilst he’s been making an impact at international youth level with the Republic of Ireland too.

He’s been speaking to the ROI FA in a feature video, and the attacking midfielder was keen to outline how much he’s enjoying life at Parkhead:

“It’s really good with all the fans. Personally, I think they’re the best fans in the world. Obviously they get along well with Ireland as well so it’s great.

“Hopefully before I’m 17 or when I’m 17 I can make my debut for Celtic. That’s obviously what I’m working towards. I’m playing with the B team and have been playing well recently. I think the first-team staff have been here watching so hopefully I can make my debut at one point.”

Patience key for Rocco Vata as he targets first-team minutes

Vata is clearly reaching for the stars, and with his talent he’s quite right to. Given how impressive he’s been at youth level both domestically and internationally, he’s entitled to set his sights on a first-team debut. Surely that’s something that should only be encouraged.

But at the same time, Ange will need to think carefully about when to integrate some of the Celtic B youngsters. It’s difficult to know who’s at the top of the pecking order for a debut. The likes of Bosun Lawal, for example, have also impressed this season.

Vata and co will know the opportunities are there for those that are willing to put in the work. Look at the chances that have been handed out to the likes of Ben Doak, Owen Moffat, and Dane Murray just to name a few.

Patience, of course, will be key for Rocco and everyone else. Setting early targets is a promising sign of ambition. But it could be the case that Ange believes more time with the B side is necessary before a senior call-up.

Should Celtic wrap up the league championship with a couple of games to spare, that could open up an opportunity for youth integration. Again though, even if chances do open up for some B team talents, where Vata is in the pecking order remains to be seen.

But it’s clear the 16-year-old is on the right track. Packed full of potential, there will come a day when he’ll be expected to make that step up. Even at this early stage, fans are already excited to see when that day will come.

In other news, “I was nearly crying”; Kyogo’s class response to Celtic Park ovation