Celtic B coach Darren O’Dea has been talking up the progress of youngster Adam Brooks after his fine form in the Scottish Lowland Football League of late.
Brooks scored a hat-trick last week in a 6-0 win against Edinburgh University and will be one of the young Bhoys’ key threats in a big clash against Bonnyrigg Rose this weekend.
O’Dea has been particularly impressed with the 17-year-old in training, believe he is not only kicking on in an attacking sense, but also learning the pressing football of Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Irishman told CelticFC.com: “The front players I can relate to the first team because that’s where we’re trying to align into. Their attacking talent and flair is pivotal to the team but they’re also ideally our best defenders on the pitch as well, in terms of how they control the game, press the game and don’t let opposition players like Bonnyrigg lift their heads and play.
“Adam is one at the minute that’s in really good form, he’s scoring goals, he’s created a lot of goals, he’s trained particularly well. But he’s also developing the other side to his game.
“And for Adam, someone like Kyogo is who he should be watching all the time. As much as Kyogo is known for how sensational he is in possession, he’s as good out of possession’.
“That’s the message with our front players, there’s two sides to the coin, which they have done particularly well with and they’re going to need to do that on Saturday.”
That’s certainly pleasing to hear. There has been a notable link but the Celtic B team and first-team this season. Ange Postecoglou has even called on the likes of Owen Moffat in a crisis.
More than that though, if you watch Tommy McIntyre’s side play, there is undoubtedly a style and recognisable method to their play that comes from Postecoglou’s mind.
This is not just about Adam Brooks – every young player will be benefitting from this approach.
It all bodes well and points to a better pathway between the Academy and the senior squad.
In other news, Bizarre Alex Rae tweet shows Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is living rent-free in rivals’ heads.
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