McManus in Celtic B delight as youngsters win again without Sydney Super Cup-bound stars

By Dave Flanigan

November 13, 2022

Celtic B coach Stephen McManus was full of praise for his young side after they secured their third win in a row with a 4-2 away victory over Edinburgh University, despite being shorn of Bosun Lawal and Rocco Vata who are due to travel for the Sydney Super Cup with the first team.

Ange Postecoglou confirmed that a few of the B side’s shining lights would be accompanying the senior squad for the showpiece competition in his homeland, Lawal and Vata were two of the players named specifically by the Celtic manager.

However, this didn’t deter the remaining young Celts who beat the capital side comfortably after racing into 3-0 lead in the first half of the game in Edinburgh, much to McManus’ delight.

Speaking on the Celtic website, McManus said after the game: “The boys’ attitude was really good and they did what we asked them to do. The pitch was quite heavy so they had to move the ball quickly and it was a different type of game.

“Edinburgh University sat back into a low block, so we had to try and break them down. The boys were really positive in every action that they took, and their attitude was first class.’

“Individually and collectively, they were very good. Dylan Corr was excellent, and it was great to give Joey Dawson minutes, who is working really hard.”

Ben Quinn, Bruno Davidson and Dawson all scored in a slick first half for the B’s, with captain Ewan Otoo getting on the scoresheet in the second half, whilst a late double from the home side made the score-line respectable.

Celtic currently sit 7th in the Lowland League, six points off top spot having played three games less than most of the sides above them, but crucially, only one game less than their Glasgow rivals who are top.

The B team face Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park on Tuesday in the SPFL Trust Trophy, before returning to Lowland League duties on the 26th of November when they face Caledonian Braves at the Excelsior.

In other news: Matt O’Riley’s comments demonstrate Celtic’s elite mentality under Postecoglou