It’s fair to say that today was another big one for Luca Connell after he set Celtic Colts on their way to success against Partick Thistle this afternoon.
The Republic of Ireland youngster played a big part in Celtic’s pre-season camp – bagging an assist against Hibernian just days before the season kicked off. However, despite impressing supporters back in the summer, he’s still yet to feature once for the Hoops this season.
Chances to impress the manager for the youngsters have been extremely limited so far this term. The pressure on the club and manager combined with the high-stakes nature of the 10-in-a-row season has left little room for youth integration.
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But today was a big chance for the likes of Connell, Stephen Welsh, and Cameron Harper to get themselves noticed by the boss as the Colts kicked off their Glasgow Cup campaign in style.
The Lennoxtown youngsters secured a powerful 4-0 win at Firhill against Partick, with Harper grabbing a brace alongside goals from Connell and Owen Moffatt respectively.
With the three points bagged, it’s understandable that there’s been plenty of debate regarding who should be brought into the senior side. It’s such an eye-catching result that questions are always going to be asked of who’s ready to make the step-up.
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Join the forum now >>Remember, Connell has senior football experience to his name already. Before signing for the Hoops back in the summer of 2019, he had played 12 times for Bolton Wanderers in League One (Transfermarkt). He’s yet to be given his senior debut for Celtic, however, as he continues to ply his trade with the Colts.
Given the amount of midfield talent ahead of him such as David Turnbull, Olivier Ntcham, and Ismaila Soro respectively, there are still plenty of options ahead of Connell in the pecking order who are waiting for opportunities.
Celtic youngster Luca Connell / (Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
So it appears unrealistic for him to simply be given a chance anytime soon. You can argue that Lennon isn’t in a position where he can afford such a luxury.
In any case, here’s a look at the fan reaction to Connell’s strike in today’s game as well as a clip of the goal:
Luca Connell’s opener for Celtic Colts this afternoon 👇 pic.twitter.com/9uDAKjVqaC
— Lewis 🍋 (@LewisLaird01) November 24, 2020
That Luca Connell couldn’t be far away from the first team. Thought he was class in that Colts game
— CC (@CCEire97) November 24, 2020
Lennon could do alot worse than bring @cameron__harper and luca connell into the first team sqaud. Young boys who will fight for everything and desperate to show what they can do💪🍀
— T 😎🏴 (@Tho1888) November 24, 2020
It’s been such a breath of fresh air watching the Celtic Colts today, a number of top performers, likes of Luca Connell, Cameron Harper, but also Owen Moffat, Ewan Otto and Barry Coeffry have also stood out for me, the array of young talent we have is exceptional
— Euan🍋 (@euan_kelly) November 24, 2020
guy deserves a chance https://t.co/92WjFj4HJF
— louie (@louiequadrelli1) November 24, 2020
Won't under Lennon youth rotting at academy & on bench because he picks his favourite players
— Celtic_bhoy_1888 (@1888_Celticbhoy) November 24, 2020
Surprised boys like Luca haven’t been given a chance, bossed it in one of the pre season games, think it was against hibs. Boys like that deserve some sort of game time just now.
— Danny Steel (@dannysteel123) November 24, 2020
I would like to see Connell giving a chance in first team.
— Sean 🏴 (@Seany_67) November 24, 2020
Looked great in one of the pre season games and haven’t been seen since.Really thought he would get some game time.
— Mark Nicholas (@joydivision61_h) November 24, 2020