Celtic reserve star Thomas Caffrey has opened up on the morale-boosting team-talks Neil Lennon has been providing.
Lennon was at both of the recent reserve wins over Dundee and Hearts respectively. Despite only being the interim manager until the end of the season, it’s clear Lennon is taking an interest in all areas of the club.
In recent weeks, the reserves have been in fine form. A string of five consecutive league wins have seen them jump to the top of the league. The reserves are now two points clear of Rangers with a game in-hand.
But Lennon’s team-talks both during and after reserve matches have been providing the youngsters with timely boosts. Speaking in this week’s Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 34, page 33), Caffrey opened up on Lennon’s influence.
“Neil Lennon’s been at the lasat two games and he’s been speaking to us. He came in at half-time against Dundee and told us we were excellent but not to get sloppy and to keep going.
“Lennon was at the game against Hearts as well and came in at the end and said “What a result”. He knows what Hearts are like, very physical, so he was pleased.
“We weren’t sure if he was there at Dundee, so when he came in at half-time, the boys were buzzing and in the second-half we were excellent. Everyone wanted to put on a show and impress.”
An important sign from Lennon
Regardless of whether you want Lennon in or not in the summer, this is a classy sign from the Celtic interim boss. Keeping the reserves on their toes is key, and providing them with a morale-boost from time to time has likely helped them in rising to the top of the league.
The fact that Lennon is taking such a keen interest in the youngsters is clearly a huge benefit for them. With the likes of Ewan Henderson and Armstrong Okoflex getting call-ups to the first-team squad in recent weeks, the carrot is there for the young Celts.
So many will have their eyes on taking the reserve title first and foremost. That’s the best way to catch the eye of the Celtic manager, whoever it may be next season. Considering the fact that the Hoops are going to have to go through a bit of a summer rebuild, perhaps there could be an opportunity for one or two of the youngsters shining brightest.
Caffrey is one of a large group of Celtic youth players with seriously bright futures ahead of them. The likes of Okoflex, Kerr McInroy, Jack Aitchison, and Wallace Duffy have been shining this season. And now they know the manager is keeping a close eye on them.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
