Rocco Vata and Ben Summers are both in line to get more exposure to the Celtic first team set-up this weekend after being omitted from the Celtic B match against East Stirlingshire.
The Lowland League match this afternoon is a must-win for the young Bhoys if they want to finish ahead of Rangers B, or even have an outside shot of the title itself, but key performers such as Vata, Summers and Bosun Lawal have all been included with the senior group.
All three could be seen in training footage from Lennoxtown published by the club earlier today, having apparently made a more stable switch up to inclusion with the senior group. All of them have trained regularly with the champions-elect throughout the campaign, but have also featured for the B team.
Vata has made two appearances off the bench this season, against Hibernian and Ross County, also featuring as an unused substitute in last week’s derby match against Rangers.
Summers meanwhile has yet to make his Celtic debut but has been regularly included on matchdays recently either on the bench or as part of the wider group.
This is an important step for all of them, even if they aren’t actually getting minutes. They are getting used to the mentality of the squad, interactions with their teammates and making initial impressions on the coaching staff and manager. Their conduct off the pitch will be crucial in convincing Postecoglou they are worth a spot in his squad heading into next season.
With Celtic edging ever closer to a league title, too, the opportunity for more minutes could well come their way. With less pressure on the matches, it gives the manager more leeway in exposing them to the action.
These could be the biggest weeks of the season, for Vata in particular who is easier to sub on without taking away from the core of the team.
With many Celtic fans eager to see more youth options making a breakthrough from the academy, anyone given a chance will no doubt feel the love of the support as the Bhoys close in on more silverware.
In other news, Celtic suspension status heading into final 7 games; Carter-Vickers one yellow away.
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