Celtic’s first season in the Lowland League has been a great success, and it’s fantastic to see the Celtic B team will once again compete in a competitive environment as the deal with the Lowland League has been extended by a further year and hopefully beyond that too.
Already the likes of Dane Murray – now unfortunately side-lined by what looks to be a long long-term injury – Owen Moffat, Joey Dawson and Ben Doak – prior to his move to Liverpool – have all performed for the B-Team and seen a pathway emerge to the first team. Meanwhile young goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi has also been involved in matchday squads.
That of course incentivises any young player coming through the ranks, that opportunities will arise under Ange Postecoglou if you are good enough. Indeed, the manager keeps a close eye on how the young players perform, and includes some when it comes to training with the first team at Lennoxtown.
𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 | Rocco Vata
The #IRLU17 international on:
▪️Life at @CelticFC and the fans 🍀
▪️Pulling on the Ireland jersey 💚
▪️Dreams of a senior cap for 🇮🇪#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/xmoNj6qDzi— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) April 26, 2022
One player who has certainly caught the eye is young Rocco Vata, and speaking to the FAI, the son of former Celtic star Rudi, has set his sights on being the next youngster to make the breakthrough at first team level, as he targets playing in front of the “best fans in the world” and he intends to do so before his 18th birthday.
Happy 17th birthday Rocco Vata💚
Keep working hard and doing us proud son🎂🎊☘️xx pic.twitter.com/kMpPHT1Bqz— AnnFrances Murray (@AnnFrancesMurr3) April 17, 2022
“It’s been really good, I personally think it’s the best fans in the world.”
“Hopefully before I’m 17 or when I’m 17 I can make my debut for Celtic. That’s obviously what I’m working towards when I’m playing with the B team.
“I’ve been playing well recently and I think the first-team staff have been there watching so hopefully I’ll make my debut at one point. My strengths would be pace, dribbling, long-range shooting,” the young Celtic star added.
“I’m direct with my play so I’m not scared to get at defenders. I always look to go forward as well, look for the forward pass and create chances.”
It’s fantastic to see that level of confidence and belief in your own ability shine through from Rocco Vata, and if Celtic can defeat theRangers on Sunday and clinch the league title perhaps there will be further opportunities in the remaining league fixtures for some of the B Team stars to see some further first team action.
Vata has certainly had a great season at club and international level with Ireland, meanwhile defender Bosun Lawal is another who is treading a similar route and catching the eye. Perhaps a league title win, and an opportunity to blood some youngsters, would be cause for a double celebration for those B-Team players knocking on the first team door.
Niall J
Yer man @TomCommentator having a passive aggressive comment at 17-year-old Rocco Vata because he’s chosen to play for the Republic of Ireland 🤷🏻♂️ Absolute weirdo.
pic.twitter.com/LKm5NNg39b— CeltsAreHere (@HereCelts) April 19, 2022
4⃣0⃣ Most @CelticFC B team appearances: MacKenzie Carse
🟢 Since stepping up from the U18s the midfielder has started in every #LowlandLeague and Glasgow Cup match 👏
🏴 Carse has also played in a further 6⃣ games for Scotland U19s! pic.twitter.com/cg9xxjcxDz
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) April 27, 2022
🤩 Our top goalscorer this season… 𝔸𝕕𝕒𝕞 𝔹𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤
1⃣6⃣ Lowland League goals scored!#CelticFC 🍀 @OfficialSLFL pic.twitter.com/2MvJTat5oB
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) April 26, 2022
