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These first team ready Celtic Academy kids look rather special

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When The Who’s Pete Townshend penned the lyrics to ‘The Kids are Alright’ it was too far in advance to be a reference to Celtic’s emerging young team, in fact it would have done them a disservice. These kids coming through at Celtic are more than alright, they’re a bit special.

As the Celtic first team defeated Ross County 2-0 on Sunday we learned little we didn’t already know. We were sharp, efficient and professional in a functional performance. The scoreline flattered Ross County in that particular game, indeed the one player who probably limited the score to such a respectable return for the Highland club was Ross Doohan, in goal and ‘on trial’ for County ahead of a season’s long loan. That was the first sight at Celtic Park of the younger influence coming through from Lennoxtown.

24 hours later, against a more challenging opponent in Hibs, Celtic’s fringe players took centre stage alongside a few old heads for guidance. In yesterday’s 3-1 win at Celtic Park they were out to give Neil Lennon a selection headache and they more than staked a claim for a place in match day squad’s as the season progresses.

Conor Hazard in goal was superb throughout. A real physical presence, he showed while Celtic look to have secured the services of a new number one in Vasilios Barkas from AEK Athens, if there was any thoughts of having to replace both Fraser Forster and Craig Gordon for the season then there is no need at all. Bain and Hazard alongside our new ‘keeper are surely all that will be required.

Kerr McInroy had already played the previous day coming on for an injured Greg Taylor. Out of position he may have been, out his depth he was not. Over both encounters despite performing at left back rather than his preferred central midfield role he was steady and assured.

In defence Stephen Welsh also stepped in after brief appearances in France and looked very comfortable against experienced players in the Hibs ranks. One defensive header in particular saved what would surely have been a goal. The fact he headed the opportunity not only beyond his man but also away for a throw rather than a corner kick, showed Welsh has certainly some nous to his game. Positionally Welsh has looked sound and although it’s clear defensive cover is still required following the exit of Simunovic – if it wasn’t prior to Jozo’s exit – it may be Welsh, whilst unlikely to be a regular starter, could certainly have a part to play in the season ahead.

While Ismaila Soro impressed in Central midfield I’m not sure you’d call him one of the kids, but Scott Robertson alongside him is and he already looks like he could make the grade. A very athletic player and already well developed physically, he seems calm in possession and comfortable in his passing range and holding his position. He’s already had a taste of competitive action against Cluj in last season’s Europa League group stages and on yesterday’s evidence he is likely to see more.

In midfield Karamoko Dembele is already well known to us all, despite his age and short and slight frame he has shown no fear whenever called upon. He took Celtic’s equalising goal yesterday with a sense of calm, constantly showed for the ball and tried to play the game on the front foot for the remainder. Celtic are rumoured to be looking at wide players for the season ahead. You can only hope any incoming players won’t hold back the development of young Dembele, he’s clearly an exciting talent and it could well be – much like Frimpong last season – be difficult to hold him back. I see no reason on the evidence to date that he couldn’t be James Forrest’s understudy this season.

There were further impressive performers, with Patryk Klimala scoring his second and third goals of pre-season as he impressed ahead of the league starting for real on Sunday. His thieving of Leigh Griffith certain goal showed a selfish striking instinct that is fantastic to see, perhaps not for Griff of course, or indeed for Klimala who was no doubt as scared of the repercussions as his guilty looking face displayed. Griffiths however can certainly be satisfied with his second half run out. He may be a bit behind in terms of fitness but his eye for goal was as sharp as ever, even if it was cheekily robbed by Klimala.

One final special mention must go to Luca Connell. When he signed from Bolton he came with a good reputation having already played first team football at Championship level in both a holding midfield and left wing back role.

When Jonny Hayes left Celtic this summer I assumed young Connell would get his opportunity on that left hand side. It appears Lennon however may have other ideas. It was a surprise to see Kerr McInroy deployed at left back ahead of young Connell, but only until he started patrolling the central midfield against Hibs.

This looks like the lad who can offer Callum McGregor some overdue support, though good luck getting much of a look in in that role. Callum never seems to tire and has just had the longest recharging of the batteries his career has seen to date. Yet if injury or suspension played its part the Connell looked to have what it takes. He has that ability to play with his head up that all good midfielders possess, turns in possession well and quickly, as well as portraying a superb range of both short and long passing. He appeared to have a vision for what was going on around and indeed ahead of him that marked him out as another smart prospect.

Celtic will of course be heading into the transfer market, yet players like Barkas and Ajeti you can only assume are being earmarked for their quality, as throughout the other areas of the Celtic squad the kids’ on the periphery have shown they are far simply being alright, they look like they are the perfect ‘substitute’ for the 10-in-a-row campaign.

Niall J

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As a Bellshill Bhoy I was taken to my first Celtic game in the summer of 1987. It was Billy McNeill’s return to Celtic Park as manager and Celtic lost 5-1 to Arsenal . I thought I was a jinx, I think my Grandfather might have thought the same. It was the finest gift anyone ever gave me when he walked me through Parkhead's gates.

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