Celtic captain Callum McGregor has been left impressed by what he’s seen from emerging young talent Rocco Vata and reckons the attacker, and others like him, could provide an excellent platform for the club’s future.
McGregor knows better than anyone what it takes to emerge from the club’s Academy to become a first-team icon. The midfielder has been at Celtic all of his life, save for a short loan spell at Notts County.
He understands the highs and lows that these young players go through. Now working alongside some of the most talented at Lennoxtown, he’s also well-placed to give an opinion on their progress.
Vata impressing at Lennoxtown
As quoted by The Daily Record, McGregor said of Vata: “He’s hurt his ankle at the minute but he’s showing really good promise in the academy. He’s scored a few goals for the B team, which is great.
“That’s what we want, to be pushing as many academy products on as we can, trying to expose them to the first team as much as we can as well and getting them to that level where they can step into the team.
“Rocco has been around the first team since pre-season and he’s done great so hopefully he can recover from his injury.
“It’s great to see the guys coming, pushing and training with the first team. If we can try and get as many academy products through into the first team, I believe it gives the club a great base moving forward.”
Vata, 17, picked up his injury in the Premier League International Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and as of yet, there hasn’t been public information on a return date.
Even if he misses a significant chunk of the remaining season, he is well-placed to make a push into Ange Postecoglou’s plans later in the year.
The Bhoys boss is clearly an admirer of the Republic of Ireland youth international, taking him on trips abroad and even handing him a competitive debut away to Hibernian.
Fingers crossed his recovery from injury goes well.
In other news, Aberdeen missing 2 key players for Celtic trip as Barry Robson aims to fire up sold out away support.
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