Celtic B took a major step forward earlier today after claiming three points in their UEFA Youth League tie with RB Leipzig at Lesser Hampden in a 3-2 victory.
Following the Young Hoops’ 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava on matchday one, consecutive losses against Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta put Stephen McManus and his side in need of a victory to maintain their hopes of progression.
After a bright early start, free-scoring Celtic talent Daniel Cummings opened the scoring after lifting the ball over the goalkeeper before finishing from close range on 14 minutes.
Kyle Ure went close before half-time, but the Bhoys didn’t need to wait too long to double their advantage after the interval, with Francis Turley seemingly getting the final touch on a brilliant ball across the front stick.
Aiden Rice made sure he was aware, making several smart stops at 2-0, leading onto Cummings’ second of the day to take his tally for the season to 18 strikes in 17 appearances, producing a brilliant first-time finish to evade visiting stopper Fernando Dickes.
Micah Walther responded instantly for RB Leipzig with a deflected effort before Jamie Schuldes pulled another back in stoppage time, but it was to be Celtic that took home a superb three points, which can hopefully be a good omen for the senior side later today.
What next for Celtic in the UEFA Youth League
Now on to six points and up to 14th place at the time of writing, the young Hoops’ next assignment in the competition comes against Club Brugge on November 27th, followed by a trip to face Dinamo Zagreb on December 10th.
To put their result today into context, Celtic sit above the likes of Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain and AC Milan in the UEFA Youth League standings, which is quite the achievement by McManus and company in the grand scheme of things.
Ultimately, free-scoring striker Cummings will take a lot of the credit for his display. With goals almost a certainty when he is on the pitch, you get the impression it is only a matter of time before he features in the senior fold.
As it stands, Celtic are still in contention for a knockout play-off berth, something that would provide more invaluable tournament experience for youngsters looking to make the grade at Parkhead.
Now, it is over to the senior team to follow their lead. Hopefully, a great day of celebration is in store for those of a green-and-white persuasion!
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
