It’s not easy leaving an environment such as Celtic.
Not only are you playing for Scotland’s biggest club, but you are also playing alongside some high-quality performers and also being managed by the trophy-laded, Brendan Rodgers.
On top of that, you are competing in Europe’s elite competition – the Champions League – so there is a lot to drink in and thrive under.
That’s why when players head for the Celtic exit door, you better be making the right call, especially if you are an unestablished youngster.
As the Celtic Park faithful know too well, not just with their senior players, but their young stars too, the lure and money of England is too hard to turn down for some.
It might not directly lead you to the Premier League, but it certainly gets you on a platform to thrive and that’s now happened to one departed Celtic star.
- READ MORE: ‘That’s this kid’ – Celtic told they have allowed an international ‘match-winner’ to leave the club
Rocco Vata makes his Republic of Ireland debut after Celtic exit
Rocco Vata was a super-talented player at Celtic, but he felt that his opportunities lay elsewhere, hence why he left in the summer for Watford.
Managed by former Manchester United star, Tom Cleverly, the Hornets are in England’s second tier and are trying to return to the promised land.
Vata has been a regular this term, playing 25 matches, and on Thursday night, he made his debut for the Republic of Ireland in Bulgaria.
The 19-year-old came on as a second-half substitute as Ireland beat Bulgaria 2-1 in their UEFA Nations League B/C first-leg playoff tie.
Vata told he is ‘flying’ and now showing ‘courage’ after Celtic exit
As you can understand, this is a special moment for Vata and he will now be hoping to add many more Ireland caps to his name.
The Irish will have big dreams of wanting to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and if they do, then Vata will want to be part of that party.
When the all-action winger took to Instagram to share his delight at his national debut, he was lauded and applauded in the comments section.
From his former Celtic teammates telling him that he is ‘flying’ to his dad – and former Hoops man Rudi – praising him for his ‘courage’.
- Watford teammate James Abankwah: ‘My boy’
- Ireland star Festy Ebosele: ‘My player’
- Michael Johnston: “Love it, bud’.
- Dad Rudi Vata: ‘Build on your momentum and work harder and smarter than ever before, my boy. Your dedication, determination and courage will take you to the next level’.
- Watford’s James Morris: ‘Congrats, mate’
- Crystal Palace’s Killian Phillips: ‘Love it’
- Celtic’s Adam Montgomery: ‘Love it, mate’
- Ben McPherson: ‘Vata man’
- Celtic’s Mitchell Robertson: ‘Flying, bro’
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