Ireland u21s backed up their impressive 3-2 victory against Turkey with another win in Cork as they strolled to a 3-0 victory over San Marino.
Once again it was Celtic’s Irish contingent who shone brightest for Jim Crawford’s side with Rocco Vata scoring twice and Bosun Lawal impressing for the second time in this international break.
Vata, on his u21s debut, opened the scoring with just eight minutes on the clock after brilliant work by QPR striker and recently capped Irish senior player Sinclair Armstrong, who squared the ball to Vata as he tucked home to an open net.
Rocco Vata 🇮🇪🇦🇱🇲🇪🏴(2005) opens the scoring!
Sinclair Armstrong 🇮🇪🇳🇬(2003) with the great assist!#U21Euro
📽️ @FootColicpic.twitter.com/pS0ZQcEYgs— Football Report (@FootballReprt) September 12, 2023
The Celtic academy graduate’s second goal was much more impressive as he cut inside from the right and powered his shot home just on the stroke of half-time.
IT WAS ROCCO VATA 🇮🇪🇦🇱🇲🇪🏴(2005) AT THE DOUBLE TO DOUBLE THE LEAD!!!!#U21Europic.twitter.com/8CMnEIIOes
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) September 13, 2023
HT | A Rocco Vata double has us 2-0 up at Turner’s Cross 💪
It has been all Ireland! #IRLU21 | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/01Exxa4c43
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) September 12, 2023
Sinclair Armstrong was involved once again for his side’s final goal of the night as his pressure resulted in a chaotic San Marino own goal with 25 minutes to go.
Vata’s fellow Celtic teammate Bosun Lawal impressed once again after his brilliant performance against Turkey last Friday, albeit against a much weaker side in San Marino.
The frustrating situation surrounding Rocco’s contract at Celtic is in stark contrast to Bosun who signed a new deal in August and was sent out on loan to Fleetwood Town in League One where he has started every league game since arriving.
Celtic fans can only hope Vata’s current contract situation at the club can be resolved with the player in ridiculous form this season, scoring six goals in five Lowland League games. Vata’s talent and form should render a much higher level of football than Scotland’s fifth tier, a new contract and a loan move in January would be best for his development.
James French
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