Celtic have announced that Academy prospect and B Team star Ben Wylie has signed a new deal at the club, lasting until 2024 [Celtic FC].
Wylie, a Northern Ireland youth international, has been a regular part of Tommy McIntyre’s side.
A midfielder with real vision and flair, Wylie has put goals and assists on the board for the B Team. Alongside a whole host of potential first-teamers, the young Irishman has still stood out.
In an interview with Celtic’s in-house media, Wylie cited Paul Pogba, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic as inspiration, while creating the best part of a great 5-a-side team. In early November, he said [Celtic FC]:
“I grew up watching Pogba. Personally, I think he’s the best midfielder on the planet. To base my game around him wouldn’t be a bad shout, I think he’s unbelievable.
“I watch [Rogic and Turnbull] both play and try to base my game around them too as they are playing in the same position. They’re two of the best in the country with what they do.”
Whether he’s the next Paul Pogba is yet to be seen. However, he represents a talented core of midfield players in the Celtic B side. Bosun Lawal, Tsoanelo Letsosa, Rocco Vata and Wylie have all impressed in the SLFL. Add in on-loan prospects like Luca Connell, Scott Robertson and Barry Coffey, and it’s an even brighter picture.
Celtic B Team star who bases his game on Paul Pogba could be a name to remember
Of course, at 19, Wylie still has a long way to go before he’s the Irish answer to Paul Pogba. But you’d imagine first team manager Ange Postecoglou is keeping an eye on who’s developing at B Team level.
Indeed, earlier today Ange Postecoglou spoke of his working relationship with Tommy McIntyre, and his wish to have more Academy talents coming through to the first team.
There’s a clear vision and route for progression now. That wasn’t the case for a bafflingly long time, and we’ve seen plenty of former Academy players forge decent careers elsewhere. From the what-ifs like Andy Robertson to solid players like Jackson Irvine and Stuart Findlay, many could’ve been Celtic regulars with the right coaching and planning.
What we’ve seen more recently is encouraging, though. Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Callum McGregor, James Forrest and other former Academy players have stepped up. Tobi Oluwayemi has been in Europa League squads, as has centre-back Dane Murray.
Whether we actually get a B Team beyond this season is really anyone’s guess. However, the effect it’s had on a crop of Celtic youngsters has been impressive.
If we unearth the Irish Paul Pogba, then all the more so.
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