Former Celtic coach names the academy talents at Lennoxtown who could make breakthrough

By John McGinley

September 25, 2022

Former Celtic coach Greig Robertson has tipped a clutch of youngsters at the club to make a breakthrough into the senior side.

Robertson spent 11 years at the Hoops and most recently worked with the U18s side before leaving to become director of coaching at FC Boston.

He’ll understand better than anyone how difficult it is for youngsters to make the grade at Celtic, so while not wanting to create too much hype around individuals did name some players who are highly through of at Lennoxtown.

Speaking to Glasgow Live, he said: “Tobi Oluwayemi has been in and around the first team and on the bench. I know he is very highly-regarded by Stevie Woods and the guys up there. He came from Tottenham and took a season to settle, but has made big saves at big moments, and as a Celtic goalkeeper that is critical. He’s one that the club in general have high hopes for.

“Rocco Vata played all last season for the ‘B’ team and has developed physically, emotionally and maturely. There’s a good crop at u18s level too who have come through from the 16’s. The pipeline is looking and healthy is strong but it’s difficult to name names as you don’t want to put undue pressure as they are only young.

“Ben Summers and Rocco Vata are another two who went away to Austria in pre-season. Two very different people in their style of play but probably epitomise Celtic players. Summers is an attacking midfielder who is beautiful on the ball and aesthetically pleasing. He had the unenviable role of playing a young Tommy Burns in a TV programme that was made when he was a kid, just a little guy with a mop of red hair! That’s an unenviable comparison to have, but yeah, Ben Summers is another where there’s high hopes for.”

All three players are already on the radars of supporters – especially Vata, who is the son of 1990s cult hero Rudi. He’s made excellent progress with the Ireland youth set-up too and looked sharp in pre-season.

Oluwayemi has long been touted as a significant prospect too, also making positive progress inside the elite English international set-up.

It’s also pleasing to hear Robertson feels there are younger players in the pipeline also coming through to further strengthen the Celtic B ranks over the next 12 months.

With Ange Postecoglou keeping a very close eye on the youth set-up, as shared by Darren O’Dea, hopefully there can be significant step-ups over the next couple of years.

In other news, Former Celtic man retires from management just short of 1000-game milestone.