Celtic’s 6-4 pre-season triumph at Queen’s Park last night was an education on why friendlies are more about discoveries than the end result.
In a match that ended in a rogue scoreline, fitness was the main aim for some of the senior pros who were out on the pitch; nevertheless, fans also had the opportunity to see some lesser-known younger faces from Lennoxtown.
Despite the weight of expectation when pulling on a first-team jersey at Celtic, they all came in and did themselves proud, with Francis Turley even getting himself on the scoresheet.
The 18-year-old rising star was praised by Brendan Rodgers for showing ‘natural instinct’ when taking his goal in composed fashion; however, there was also a bigger feeling at play that came with observing young starlets in Glasgow’s southside.
Brendan Rodgers and his imprint on the Celtic Academy
Rodgers has already made it clear that bringing through academy talent is a key aim of his second spell at the club. Perhaps it wasn’t a surprise to see a host of young stars go under the microscope at Queen’s Park.
Early into pre-season, with no new signings in the building, the manager only had his internal pool to work with and wouldn’t have wanted to encounter injury concerns to key players.
Noticeably, the youngsters who did feature appeared to have a detailed understanding of Rodgers’ possession-oriented tactical framework. Receiving the ball in tight spaces, not being afraid to make progressive passes, and maintaining an adequate level of width to stretch the Spiders’ backline.
From a glance, Turley, Kyle Ure and Thomas Hatton were particularly impressive in this field, slotting into the side nicely and maintaining an impetus to attack at will.
Now, that isn’t to say more senior opportunities will be forthcoming; it is just to highlight why they deserve credit for their exploits on an evening of many positives.
The long-term Celtic roadmap led by Brendan Rodgers and staff
What is also intriguing is there are changes behind the scenes to change the approach to youth development at Celtic. Encouraging signs were on show last night, which can hopefully be enhanced by Darren O’Dea’s appointment as Professional Pathway Player Manager.
Making the step across from co-coaching the B Team, the Irishman is tasked with progressing young players at the club both internally and out on loan. He is also charged with remaining in contact with all age groups and Rodgers himself, informing him about the best talent rising through the ranks.
Going under the radar, Jonny Hayes’ return as B Team assistant isn’t only notable because of his status as a likeable former player.
The 37-year-old was signed by the manager back in 2017, and will have an agreeable working relationship with him, something that could help to bridge the gap between the two squads with the right groundwork in place.
Similar to when Ange Postecoglou was in charge, the senior and academy sides work in similar stylistic parameters. One day, that can hopefully breed an internal conveyor belt of talent at Parkhead.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
