A Celtic first-team quartet were given minutes in the Celtic B team today as they took on Ayr United in a special testimonial match.
The Bhoys XI travelled to Ayrshire for the match honouring Michael Moffat. Yuki Kobayashi, Marco Tilio, Hyeokkyu Kwon and Mikey Johnston all started the fixture alongside prospects such as Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly.
The game ended 1-1 after Corey Thomson’s second-half strike ensured that Ayr did not enjoy a Sunday victory against the Hoops.
It was an important afternoon for the senior quartet, all of whom have been training regularly with Brendan Rodgers’ squad over the last few weeks.
Clearly, the Celtic manager is keen on getting them up to speed and involved in upcoming matches.
Johnston, in particular, could be thrust into the action given that he is also eligible for UEFA Champions League matches over the next few months.
Tilio and Kwon are yet to make their competitive debuts for the club, while Kobayashi is coming back from an injury sustained in pre-season.
Celtic have matches against Motherwell, Lazio and Kilmarnock before the next international break and it’ll be interesting to see if any of these players manage to force their way into Rodgers’ plans.
Nat Phillips continues to struggle with an ankle injury and Liel Abada has been ruled out for months, so there’s a big chance for some of these players to impress in training and show they should be in involved.
In other news, “Amazing to watch”; Alistair Johnston left in awe of “nightmare” Celtic teammate vs Livingston.
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