.Brendan Rodgers has opened up on the opportunities that could be given to Celtic’s youngsters.
On Sunday, Armstrong Okoflex made his first appearance in a Celtic squad. That’s despite the fact he’s only 16-years of age and not ever made a senior appearance at any club.
This has been quickly followed by Karamoko Dembele’s 16th birthday later this week. He’ll be eligible to make his senior bow on Sunday against Motherwell, with the Sun reporting yesterday that may be the case. (You can read our story on that here).
And Rodgers, speaking in the Celtic View (Wednesday 20th February, pages 6-7), has stated that Okoflex’ introduction is only the start of his youth integration policy at Parkhead.
“Armstrong is only 16. But it’s important for the young players in the reserves to get a sense of what it’s like in and around the first team.
“The players that are doing well will get that opportunity.
“Age is no barrier for me if they’ve got the qualities. I’ve come through youth development myself, so I understand the importance that the players won’t be fully ready. You have to give them that taste.”
Rodgers’ devotion to youth shines through
You have to give Rodgers credit for sticking to his principles here. It’s difficult to see where the suitable moments for youth integration could come, considering the number of big games Celtic have between now and the end of the season.
Despite the good news, however, it doesn’t necessarily mean youth players will be making their debuts. When you take into account some of the rough treatment Celtic players have been getting, this might not be the worst thing.
It will be interesting to see whether the likes of Dembele or Okoflex make their first-team debuts soon. But Rodgers hasn’t been afraid to hand a debut call to Ewan Henderson. The midfielder also bagged an assist against St Mirren for Timothy Weah’s goal.
Therefore, Rodgers has proven to everyone that the chances are there for those who deserve it. Henderson had played in the under-20s and reserve squads for a substantial period of time. The likes of Dembele and Okoflex, therefore, still have plenty of education left before getting those debut calls you would imagine.
There’s a growing wealth of talent developing in Celtic’s youth squad. As well as the three mentioned, there’s also the likes of Jack Aitchison and Calvin Miller having already made their debuts. Mikey Johnston has had a handful of Hoops appearances, as has Anthony Ralston.
And if the likes of Daniel Church and Leo Mazis continue their development, they could be the next names on Rodgers’ radar.
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