The overlooked benefit for Celtic youngsters if Champions League football is confirmed

By Lewis Laird

May 2, 2022

As Celtic edge closer to the Scottish Premiership title, the prize of Champions League group stage football is waiting for Ange Postecoglou and his first-team squad.

Currently, the Bhoys sit six points clear at the top of the league and will be hoping to secure the title within the next two games.

However, delivering the title back to Parkhead won’t just affect the first-team squad at the club but also the youngsters who could be taking part in European competition next season.

Should Ange Postecoglou’s side pick up the points required, the Celtic under-19s squad will also participate in the UEFA Youth League next season.

Tommy McIntyre’s Hoops youngsters would enter the competition via the ‘Champions route, which features the youth sides of all 32 Champions League participants.

The young Celtic side would head directly into the group stages, taking on the same three teams as the first team in an identical fixture list to the senior competition.

Celtic under-19s last involvement in the UEFA Youth League came back during Brendan Rodgers reign as manager when the Bhoys finished third place in Group B, taking on Bayern Munich, PSG and Anderlecht.

First team players such as Stephen Welsh and Mikey Johnston regularly featured during the 2017/18 UEFA Youth League campaign, which saw McIntyre’s side finish on six points.

Next season could provide the newest generation of young Celtic talents such as Rocco Vata, Ben Summers or Adam Brooks with the opportunity to showcase their ability on the European stage.

Supporters are also likely to be able to see the under-19s team in action, with games streamed live on BT Sport.

Alongside regular football every week in the Lowland League for the second season running, it could prove to be an extremely exciting opportunity for the youngsters at Lennoxtown to look forward to next season.

In other news, Champions League details as Celtic close in on title.