Rocco Vata has started for Celtic’s B Team in this afternoon’s game against Berwick Rangers. The Irish youngster was a breakthrough star last season under Ange Postecoglou but Brendan Rodgers appears to have decided that the player isn’t at that level.
Darren O’Dea and Stephen McManus’ team was announced for the game at Berwick.
🟢 #CelticFCB Team News! ⚪️
Here is how the Bhoys line-up for this afternoon's trip to take on Berwick Rangers 📋#BERCEL | #SLFL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/E21UR5X1JX
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) August 19, 2023
Despite being included in pre-season, the player’s decision to go to CAA Base suggested that he was eying a move. In simple terms, if Vata was good enough he would’ve played more times for the first team. The rumour is that someone close to the player has said that he should be playing more first team football. From the glimpses that we have seen, Vata is a talented player with a bright future but the same could’ve been said for Karamoko Dembele.
It is understandable that players don’t want to play in the B Team and compete in the Lowland League. However, this is the current framework that is being used as the club look to bring through new talent. Ben Summers has been tipped for a breakthrough and has gone to Dunfermline on loan. If Vata had been committed to Celtic, he would’ve signed a new deal.
It must be disheartening though for the youngsters when they see young players being bought from various countries and signing 4 and 5 year deals.