The Celtic youth players involved in first-team training have been given a big boost by Ange Postecoglou as he admitted some could force his way into the first-team this season.
Celtic fans have, over the years, got used to a real lack of investment in academy products. When we’ve often seen starlets perform in pre-season, they’ve tended to fade into obscurity afterward without an opportunity to impress in competitive action.
We were all treated to a vibrant display from the Celtic youths yesterday as they put Sheffield Wednesday to the sword in a 3-1 success. Postecoglou used as many as 13 players who are currently part of the academy.
But after being impressed by what was on show against the League One club, Postecoglou admitted the opportunity is there for youngsters to break through this season.
As quoted by the Glasgow Times, the manager said: “I don’t see why not. They’re working hard. They’ve been really positive about everything, in terms of trying to play the way we want to. It’s good now to have the whole group so the young lads can measure themselves against the established lads.
“It was a good opportunity for them. They don’t often get the opportunity to be in front of the manager for such a long time. It was good for me. I might not have got a look at some of the younger boys if we had had the full squad from the beginning.
“They’re working hard and we’re going to need a strong squad.”
Ange Postecoglou has a wealth of talented Celtic youth players
When it comes to talent within the Celtic academy, there is plenty of it. Firstly, you have some of the more senior youngsters such as Ewan Henderson and Lee O’Connor who should be more than ready to be integrated at some stage.
But you also have young energetic hopefuls such as Leo Hjelde, Kerr McInroy, and Owan Moffat who were terrific yesterday.
Postecoglou isn’t saying that all of them will be given a shot. That’s simply not possible. Only the best of those who were on the park yesterday will be given an opportunity in the first-team this season.
Postecoglou is likely to use the rest of pre-season to judge who those talents may be. However, as of yet, it’s difficult to see at what stage of the season they’ll get their opportunities.
A gradual integration of the top pre-season performers as the season goes on seems like the best way. There will be times in the campaign when Celtic have a hectic schedule containing games against bottom six sides. That’s when the opportunity to play some of these young talents could arise.
The main positive of course is that Postecoglou is ready to give them their chance. Could the same honestly be said of the previous regime? History would suggest no.
In other news: PORTUGUESE Report: Celtic one of four clubs who could move for Alberth Elis in coming days
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