Fans rave about Celtic Academy talent Ben Doak after Scotland U17 heroics

By Euan Davidson

September 4, 2021

Celtic Academy talent Ben Doak is a name a lot of supporters won’t be familiar with – yet.

However, after a starring role with the Scotland U17 side, Doak is earning rave reviews, and not for the first time.

With Scotland U17s taking on Wales, there were plenty of bragging rights on offer [SFA]. After all, despite being the smaller nation, the senior Wales team continually outperform Scotland. Some pride at youth level was surely a motivation.

And while the game finished in a draw, it’s Doak and Scotland that people are talking about. After a driving run right at the Wales defence, the Celtic Academy talent nodded home a pinpoint cross to put Scotland ahead.

Doak, nominally a defender [SFA], has been impressing Celtic youth coaches for a while now. In 2018, he was voted Player of the Tournament at the 2005s Actavo Cup [Celtic FC Academy].

Doak received high praise from both the match report on the night, and from his manager, Brian McLaughlin.

The reviews are in for Celtic Academy talent Ben Doak

According to the SFA’s match report from the draw with Wales [SFA]:

“Ben Doak looked a constant threat for Scotland with his pace proving a constant menace for the defence. One particular sprint enabled him to outpace the defenders to put him one on one with the goalkeeper but he was unable to prod the ball beyond the Wales stopper.

“The winger remained a prominent figure in the second half and was unfortunate not to score a second when he darted down the right hand side into the box but was unable to guide his shot into the box.”

Scotland U17s head coach McLaughlin added:

“Ben Doak did well tonight and he’s a great player. He’s a good threat and great character around training as well. His attitude towards training is infectious and there’s no doubt that he loved his debut for the 17s tonight. It felt like every time he had the ball he could create us a chance.”

Meanwhile, on Twitter:

In other news: Another Celtic youngster makes headlines