Scott Robertson’s debut in Romania tonight is by far the biggest plus Celtic fans can take from the game.
The Hoops lost 2-0 in Cluj to end their Europa League campaign with a whimper. The 12-game winning run has been snapped as has the unbeaten group-stage run. Yet whilst both of those will cause slight frustration, there were still some positives to take.
None more so than the display of academy graduate Robertson. Given his first start, he completed a 90-minute performance that was faultless. He was composed on the ball, quick on the turn, and didn’t give possession away all night.
Supporters on Twitter have been quick to recognise his contribution too. Taking a look at the reaction, here’s some in the support have been saying:
https://twitter.com/SM1967_/status/1205187011344261120
https://twitter.com/McLaughlin_1888/status/1205213110421856256
https://twitter.com/benji67_/status/1205212592895090689
https://twitter.com/SeanMcCrory8/status/1205215225475162112
https://twitter.com/MRceltic1888/status/1205213891879428096
Seized his chance and more opportunities must arrive
We all know the importance of not giving youngsters too much too soon. However, for a competitive debut in an environment such as Cluj, he acquitted himself superbly well.
He’ll be disappointed not to be on the end of a positive result. The truth is that it was not down to any fault of his own. In fact, he could possibly lay claim to being the man-of-the-match with how well he performed.
Looking forward for Robertson, you now wonder where the next opportunity will come. With such a big list of high-profile fixtures between now and the New Year, that could be it for him before the league action resumes in January.
Brendan Rodgers gave the likes of Mikey Johnston a run in the team after the winter break ended last season. There’s no reason as to why Robertson can’t get that same opportunity in some of our home Premiership matches.
You can’t look at his display tonight and say that he couldn’t cope against bottom-six Premiership sides. He’s ready for a real test in a Celtic jersey, and hopefully he gets some opportunities as the season goes on.
It wasn’t a successful night for many in the Hoops. But for Robertson? It couldn’t have gone much better individually.
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