Midfielder Ben Summers has joined the group of young Celtic talents to have made their senior debut under Ange Postecoglou, substituted on during the Bhoys’ 4-1 win against Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Summers only came into the match in the 88th minute but it was still a big step forward for him at the club after weeks of being included in matchday squads. It’s a moment he won’t forget in a hurry.
Bosun Lawal made his first appearance earlier in the season, as did Rocco Vata. The latter actually got a decent run out in the second half today, subbed on after 68 minutes to show flashes of attacking quality.
Last season, Dane Murray, Joey Dawson, Owen Moffat and Ben Doak all made senior debuts under the Australian. While no academy youngster has yet to truly establish themselves as a regular in the manager’s set-up, hopes are high that inroads can be made over the next year.
That’s certainly what Postecoglou himself hinted at in January when he said in a press conference: “If one of the players from the B team gets an opportunity, it is because they have earned it, not because I feel they need to be given time. Bosun Lawal and Rocco Vata have been involved in and around the first team for quite a while now.
“I am really happy with the progress the B team is making. Darren [O’Dea] and Stephen [McManus] are doing a really good job. I don’t just think we are developing some good players down there but we are also developing some good coaches. Over the next six to twelve months, I expect some of those players to get opportunities. Not because I am kind-hearted, mate, it is because it will have been earned.”
Summers is certainly amongst that small group who has worked under O’Dea and McManus that has a chance of a Celtic career in the long-term. Today will be a huge boost to his confidence and he’ll now be hoping for more minutes between now and the end of the season.
Postecoglou is starting to deliver on his youth promise in a sensible and clever way. That can only be a positive for the club.
In other news, Kobayashi verdict, Ange’s earned luxury; 3 things we learned as Celtic thrash Kilmarnock.
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