3 youngsters who could make their Celtic debuts in 2022

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Celtic have played 9 Celtic Academy graduates in all competitions. Not bad, not bad at all.

Meanwhile, 12 players have come to the club, with 10 featuring in the first team. Even longer-term prospects like Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide have seen action, starring in a 3-2 win over Real Betis.

All very good, of course. But with the introduction of the B Team, there’s a far better route from the Academy to the first-team. In years prior, it felt as if the link had been lost. Even stranger, when players are bought in from elsewhere, then make progress in the Academy, only to see their prospects falter.

Ange Postecoglou has made real strides in using the depth available to him. Fine, there’s a very concentrated number of players he can rely on, and more options will be needed. However, there’s a very decent effort being made to include as many talents as possible.

That’s important. It can make the difference, and with Celtic having more resources than our league competitors, it’s an advantage we need to use.

There could be even more. Some players will surely get their starts this season, either through injuries or rotation. Here are 3 we reckon are close to doing just that.

Ben Wylie looks good value for Celtic start in 21-22

When Celtic youngsters sign new deals, and the club makes a fuss, it’s normally a decent sign.

That was the case for Ben Wylie, who’s already making waves for the Celtic B Team and Northern Ireland youth sides.

At 19, Wylie is composed, mature and has excellent vision. He’s set up countless B Teamers, not least Owen Moffat, who scored 5 against Vale of Leithen in a 10-0 win. Wylie’s eye for a pass was a significant part of that triumph.

A player who models his game on two Celtic first-team players and a World Cup-winner, the likeable teenage Celtic Academy prospect could feasibly see some game time late on in the season. He’s already enjoyed some loan time away from the club, and has only improved since.

One to keep an eye out for, and make no mistake.

Tobi Oluwayemi must be nearing the call from Ange

English youth star Tobi Oluwayemi, signed from Spurs’ Academy, has been making significant strides. He’s well-liked by Stevie Woods, Ange has added him to UEFA Europa League squads at Vasilis Barkas’ expense, and his U19 caps for England suggest a recognition beyond Celtic.

With the Scottish Cup pitting us against Alloa Athletic in January, the time to rest Joe Hart could be around the corner. The 34-year-old, who’s bought into life at Celtic in a significant way, would sure encourage a young countryman to take an opportunity for the first-team.

Rangy, with excellent reactions, Oluwayemi has been a star for Tommy McIntyre’s B Team. With many important saves for a promising Colts side, he’ll surely get his chance before too long.

The Scottish Cup may be the perfect chance.

B Team captain Bosun Lawal knocking on the Celtic first team door for 21-22 start

Given Watford’s decent Academy output, they won’t have wanted to part with their Player of the Year in Bosun Lawal [WFC]. Part, though, they did. And now Celtic have him as captain of the B Team.

Anyone who’s watched this season will have been impressed. Even at 18, Lawal has the physical presence to fit right into the SLFL, looks confident in possession, passes well and reads the game with a maturity beyond his years.

An Ireland youth international, he’s reaching a point in his career where it’s not a risk to play him. His only obstacle, as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, is the immense competition in his road. But when it comes to the Scottish Cup, or even in league competition, Lawal is an excellent shout to start in 21-22.

Adept in deeper positions, Lawal is quick to deal with danger, becoming notable for last-ditch interventions or cutting out attacks as they begin.

Oddly, he’s not as much of a household name as contemporaries like Vata or Moffat. But Lawal is a player. His time will come.