Celtic prospect Rocco Vata showed more of his goal threat tonight with a hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland U21s against San Marino.
Vata was representing his country at that age level for just the second time this evening, selected in the starting eleven for the U21 Euros qualifying clash.
He netted a double on his U21 debut against the same opposition back in September and has now followed that up with a second-half trio of goals this evening.
His first came from close range after a mix-up in the San Marino defence, but the second was a sumptuous strike from distance.
The Celtic youngster received the ball in the centre circle before surging forward, coolly tricking an opponent before unleashing a fierce low shot from distance into the far bottom corner. You can see a clip of the effort via X or embedded below.
Vata would go on to net his third in the 90th minute, with San Marino thrashed 7-0.
Celtic talent Rocco Vata has a bright Irish future
Although also eligible to play for Scotland and Albania, Vata has long been a part of the Irish youth set-up and looks destined to become a full international for the country.
Turning 19 next month, he’s also on the verge of making strides at Celtic. He’s training with Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad at Lennoxtown regularly and appears to have moved on from the B team set-up.
His contract is due to expire at the end of the season but Rodgers has confirmed the club have been in talks with him regarding a new deal.
The youngster scored his first senior goal for the Bhoys back in January and is now a consistent part of Rodgers’ match-day squads, though hasn’t been selected as a substitute since February.
The Celtic manager recently praised his progress and named him alongside Daniel Kelly as one to watch for the future.
On-loan Bhoys talent Bosun Lawal also started for the Irish U21 side this evening.
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