Youth/Development Team Thread

Match report from today's game


CELTIC’S Development Squad picked up from where they left off in the Little Big Shot Scottish Youth Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Hamilton.
Three first-half goals effectively ended the game as a contest as Fiacre Kelleher, Joe Thomson and Calvin Miller struck early to set the tone for a dominant Celtic display.
Tommy McIntyre made one change from the side that suffered a late 1-0 defeat to Hungarian side Puskas Academia in the UEFA Youth League with Luke Donnelly coming in for Theo Archibald who dropped to the bench.
In wet and windy weather, both teams used the opening few minutes to familiarise themselves with the conditions but it was Celtic who attacked first with a series of neat combinations down the left flank from Aidan McIlduff and Regan Hendry.
Approaching the byline, McIlduff saw his cross blocked and from the resultant corner, Celtic took the lead.
A high cross into the area was met by Kelleher who rose highest to head home the opening goal past a stranded Alex Marshall in the Accies’ goal.
It was a poor start from the home side who came into the tie on the back of some impressive form in the league; however, they could not find their rhythm from the kick-off and soon Celtic were attacking again.
Finding space at the edge of the area, Aidan Nesbitt found Donnelly who, with his back to goal, fed the on rushing Joe Thomson to dispatch the ball it into the net.
Having struggled to recover from conceding early, Hamilton returned to the centre circle in exasperated fashion - however, this would prove to be only a temporary reprieve.
Less than sixty seconds later, the ball was in the net once again.
Losing possession from the kick off, Hamilton were put on the back foot as McIlduff found space on the left flank once again. With a pinpoint cross into the box, he picked out Calvin Miller whose header from close range gave Celtic their third goal of the game.
Buoyed by their attacking prowess, Celtic continued to control the game with the midfield duo of Joe Thomson and Mark Hill winning the midfield battles, while Donnelly’s ability to find space in the tightest of areas only served to open up the game for the wing play of Nesbitt and Hendry.
Up top, the constant running of Miller was proving to be a headache for the Hamilton defence who resorted to a series of last ditch challenges to clear their lines.
And just before the break, Celtic could have had a forth. Miller again led the Hamilton back line astray, creating space for Nesbitt to charge into the box. However, his final finish was high and wide.
With such a lacklustre first half display, bigger things were expected from Hamilton in the second half but a combination of Celtic’s control of the game, and the rapidly deteriorating weather conditions meant that the home side’s forays forward lacked a cutting edge.
The impressive Nesbitt continued to take centre stage as he drifted in from the flank to link up with both Breslin and McIlduff who at times were playing like auxiliary wingers.
However, Hamilton would have one moment that could have changed the nature of the second half. Just after the hour mark, striker Ryan Tierney charged into the box. The No9 spun past Jamie McCart and fired a low shot towards Colin McCabe in the Hoops net.
His parried save pushed the ball high into the path of Steven Boyd who, with the goal at his mercy, could only header against the bar. His missed chance seemed to sum up the home side’s efforts in the tie.
Theo Archibald would replace the hard working Miller with a little over ten minutes to go but by this time, the tie was over as a contest.
A delighted Tommy McIntyre can now look forward to the next round of the competition as he aims to return the Young Hoops to Hampden.

CELTIC (4-2-3-1) McCabe; Breslin, Kelleher, McCart, McIlduff; Thomson, Hill; Nesbitt, Donnelly Hensey; Miller (78’ Archibald)
Subs: Higgins, McAdams, Lafferty, Murray, Archibald

 

Thanks for the link Crow

Well done the Young Hoops!!!

Must've been some first 15 minutes although from the report it sounds like Celtic dominated the whole game. Good to see Kelleher on the score sheet again, sounds good at set peices. Calvin Miller is supposed to be quite a promising player. McIlduf and Nesbitt having good games too

 

Easy day for the young hoops today

 

Nesbitt scored for Scotland u19s v Latvia, 2 nil to the Scots,this Bhoy is really Knocking on first team door.Would love to see him in starting 11 with his pal Tierney

 

Getting to know Colin McCabe U19 goalkeeper

http://www.celticfc.net/news/9506


ON THE PITCH
What’s your position?
I’m a goalkeeper but I started off as a striker back in County Cavan. I went from a striker to a centre-half for one or two games then eventually into goals. I think the Gaelic football helped.
How long have you been part of the Celtic Youth Academy?
I’ve been here for two-and-a-half years. I moved straight into Under-17s full-time when I was 16-years-old. It was halfway through the season and I was training with guys like Liam Henderson and Connor McManus, all the guys above my age.


Where do you hail from?
I’m from Ballinagh, County Cavan which is in the north midlands of the Republic. It’s quite central but it’s close to the border.
What are your main strengths as a player?
I’m very dominant in my box with anything in the air. I feel I communicate well and I’m good in one-v-ones. I kick well too.
What areas of your game are you looking to improve?
I’m looking to become sharper in and around the goal and get better with the ball at my feet. The manager likes to pass the ball out from the back and keep the ball well so I need to be good with my feet. Maybe I’ll tap into my old striker days.

Career highlights so far?
Signing for Celtic was a massive one. Last season I was in the first-team squad once and I got to do the warm-up. Then there was the Glasgow Cup when we beat Rangers 1-0 at Celtic Park in front of 8,000 people which was unbelievable and a night I’ll never forget.


What’s next on the agenda?
Hopefully I can secure No.1 for the Under-20s. That’s my main focus and objective. I want to do that and play well. Leo Fasan has spent two seasons at Under 20s and he’s done very well so it’s big shoes to fill but hopefully I can get a good run of matches together and a bit of confidence I can hopefully show what I’m all about at that level.
What are your aims?
I just want to be consistent as a goalkeeper, which involves keeping clean sheets and making saves when called on. We want to win the league because we lost it last year and hopefully win the cups as well. If I ever get the chance for a first-team squad then I know I could be capable of doing well there too but I think that’s longer term. My main focus is trying to secure No.1 spot for the 20s.
Who is your greatest influence?
I like to pick and chose certain things from different players. As I grew up I wasn’t a goalie so I never really looked to them but as I became one I looked at the guys like Peter Schmeichel, David Seaman, Packie Bonner. They were great and I pick and chose from them. Nowadays, watching Craig Gordon every day is brilliant. Craig’s standard is excellent every day so he’s a big influence for me. He’s No.1 at the club and he’s the guy I want to be competing with so I’d say it’s him at the minute.


Celtic idol?
When I was a striker it was Henrik Larsson. He was just excellent. What can you say about him that’s not already been said? He was unbelievable. The goals he scored were outstanding. I remember when Neil Lennon was the manager here and I was working at a Champions League game in the changing room and in walked Henrik. I was just sitting there looking at him and he was such a nice guy. He came over and said hello, asked us our names and asked how we were getting on. He didn’t know us but we knew him and we were just sitting cleaning boots or whatever and for him to just take the time to speak to us was great and it’s something that’ll always stick in my mind.


OFF THE PITCH
Favourite song
Jason Mraz, I’m Yours. It’s a few years old now but I like to go back to the classics. It’s just catchy and upbeat and even if you don’t know the song you can learn it when it’s on and everyone can sing along to it. It’s a good upbeat song and as soon as it comes on you can turn it up and listen to it and belt it out. It makes you happy.


Favourite TV Show/Film
I’m a big fan of Home and Away. I’ve watched that for years and if I ever miss it I’ll always go back and try to watch it. I love Neighbours as well. I had to catch up on it when we came back from South Africa recently so that was good. My favourite film would probably have to be The Shawshank Redemption. It’s a fantastic film. It’s one of those films that you can watch and even though you know what’s happening or what’s going to happen you’ll still watch it because it’s such great quality.


Prized possession?
Maybe my On Demand TV service so I can catch Home and Away but I think I’d say my singing voice. I don’t know if I’m any good or not but I definitely sing out loud and if I couldn’t sing I wouldn’t be happy.
What other sports or hobbies do you have?
I love Gaelic football, that’s a big one, but I don’t get to play that over here. I play golf, though. I’m a big fan of that along with some of the boys. Any days off we usually arrange a four ball or something so that’s good. I’ve got my clubs in the house so whenever we get an afternoon off we’ll go to the range and I watch the competitions as well when they’re on TV.


Celebrity crush?
I have a few but I think Margot Robbie is No.1 right now. She is unbelievable. She’s probably the reason I watched Neighbours as well as I think she started off there.

 

Getting to know Joe Thomson
http://www.celticfc.net/news/9504


ON THE PITCH
What position do you play?
Anywhere in midfield – I have played as a sitting player, attacking, box-to-box and on both wings.


How long have you been part of the Celtic Youth Academy?
I signed when I was 11 or 12, and the core of the boys I came up with are still here as well.


Where do you hail from?
Clarkston, Glasgow. I have always lived there and still stay at home.


What are your main strengths as a player?
My energy levels. I can get up and down the park and can score a goal from midfield and can defend as well, so I suppose I’m a box-to-box player. I can put a shift in for the team where I’m needed.


What areas of your game are you looking to improve?
Maybe I could get a yard quicker and I’m working on my technique as well so hopefully I will see improvements in that. As a young player, you want to improve your all-round game.


Career highlight so far?
Winning the Glasgow Cup at Celtic Park. We won 1-0 against Rangers and I captained the team. We were on the front foot the whole game, looking to get the goal we needed and eventually we got it. Beating Rangers at Celtic Park to lift a trophy, it doesn’t get much better than that.


Next on the agenda?
The Development Side are competing on a lot of fronts this season – the league, the Youth Cup and the Premier League International Cup (PLIC), and the U19s are in the UEFA Youth League. We were recently in South Africa where we played a lot of top teams and it gets you in the mood for competitive action. There is a lot to look forward to and I will try to push on and hopefully get in some of the first-team squads.
Aims for the season?
Winning the league and Youth Cup and hopefully progressing in the UEFA Youth League and the PLIC, and then we will take it from there. Personally, I just want to keep progressing and try to make improvements in my game and then I will see where it takes me from there. I will only get a chance in the first team if I do that.
Greatest influence?
My Dad and my Grandpa have always taken me to the games and they have helped me a lot. They took me to training and bought me football boots and things like that, doing everything for me. They still come to all the games, so definitely the both of them.


Football idol?
I would say Steven Gerrard when he was at his prime. He could do anything. He could play box-to-box, he could score a goal or two and tackle, so he could really do everything as a midfielder. At present, I like Jack Wilshire of Arsenal. He is injured quite a lot but he’s very good when he plays.


What current Celtic player do you most admire?
Broony. He is a midfielder and his energy levels and his tackling are terrific and you have to look at him. He gets in the other teams’ minds, and when you play against him in training you are always looking over your shoulder to see where he is. He dominates games week after week. He helps me a lot on and off the pitch and he will do stuff with me after training sometimes and before games.


OFF THE PITCH

Favourite song
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite one as I’m not really into music. I just listen to the radio really. I go through different phases of what a like but there is nothing that sticks out just now.
Favourite TV show/film
I know I’m a bit behind the times, but I just finished watching Prison Break which was pretty good and I enjoyed Breaking Bad as well. In terms of movies, I liked all three of the Hangover films, they were really good and funny.

Prized possession
I genuinely don’t know, maybe the strip I wore when I scored in Gran Canaria for the first-team.


What other sports or hobbies do you have?
I hate all other sports apart from football. I just like to relax when I’m not playing. I wouldn’t turn on the TV and watch another sport. I couldn’t do that. I watch every game of football, though! It could be the Japanese League and I would still watch it.



Celebrity crush
Nicole Scherzinger

 

The best thing about our youth system just now is I believe we're breeding not only talented young players but by coming through our school system they seem like proper Celtic fans, you can see the passion Tierney plays with and I think that the rest of the yoth squad feel the same way. I'm more than open to giving these lads a chance starting with Nesbitt and eventually moving on to the likes of Hendry, Thomson and Hill.

 

Guys, I'm not sure where he falls in the setups now, but has anyone seen Fasan playing recently? I had high hopes he'd push his way into the team, but with Gordon playing out of his skin last year he was backtracked. This year with Gordon a bit off the boil and Bailey not getting used, is Fasan out of contention?

I know we don't wanna screw with the back 5 for fun, I'm just more interested to hear how he's playing?

 

Fasan was all set to be number 2 apparently then we signed Bailley

 

Aidan Nesbitt

ON THE PITCH

What position do you play?

I play any of the three positions behind the striker. I like centre, in the No.10 role, but I play anywhere. I’d say I’m just as productive playing right or left but I enjoy playing in the centre. I had a lot of success in the Youth Cup final playing on the right but I enjoy any of the front three roles.

How long have you been part of the Celtic Youth Academy?

I’ve been here for about 10 years. I have gone through the Under-9 to Under-19s. At times it has been very hard and there has been a lot of hard work needed to go into it to make sure I stay here but it has been good too. We have won a lot of things and I have enjoyed my time.

Where do you hail from?

Johnstone. It’s the other side of Paisley and is a good wee Celtic town. Everybody I know is a Celtic supporter. Everyone there knows I play for Celtic and it’s nice to have that support.

What are your main strengths as a player?

Probably dribbling, control, first-touch and vision. Sometimes I’ve got a lot of vision but can’t do much with it! Ball control and dribbling are probably my best.

What areas of your game are you looking to improve?

Scoring goals. I scored three in the Youth Cup final but I’d still like to score more and assisting with goals as well. I scored in a recent friendly tournament in South Africa and also in our first league match this season so that was good.

Career highlight so far?

Before making my first-team debut it was last season’s Youth Cup final and before that it was the Glasgow Cup final. Scoring one in the Glasgow Cup final then a year later scoring a hat-trick in the Youth Cup final was brilliant because at that time, these cups are the main competitions for your season. It’s brilliant to finish the season in that way.

Aims for the season?

To continue my development. Getting close to the first-team is a bonus but I want to keep developing as a player and make sure I keep getting better.

Greatest influence?

My family I’d say. They have always been there for me, even when times were hard.

Football idol?

It changes but right now it’s Lionel Messi. It used to be Ronaldinho but since he’s moved back to Brazil we don’t see him as much. Every game Messi plays in, he does something different that you wouldn’t expect anyone else to do. He takes five touches for most people’s two touches within such a short space. The ball is so close to his feet all the time and he scores goals for fun.

Celtic idol?

I’ve been a season ticket holder for Celtic all my life and growing up watching Shunsuke Nakamura on the wing was incredible. His ball control and dribbling was amazing. That’s how I want to play football. I loved watching the wingers at that time because we had Nakamura on one wing and Aidan McGeady on the other but even that when I was younger I remember watching Stiliyan Petrov dictating games for fun.

OFF THE PITCH

Favourite song

December 1963 by the Four Seasons. I listen to Smooth Radio in the motor and that’s the best song on it. It’s great.

Favourite TV show/film

The Shawshank Redemption. It just gives you hope. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. No good thing ever dies.

Prized possession

I don’t really have any items that are prized possessions.

What other sports or hobbies do you have?

I read a bit and watch TV. It’s mostly non-fiction I read. Some autobiographies but it’s mostly about things or people I don’t know about. I love reading about events like the Second World War. I’ve only been into it for about two years. I just saw a book one day and started reading it then that was me off.

Celebrity crush

If I’m being honest, there are hundreds but if I’d to pick one, Margot Robbie. She’s one to look at. I like Jennifer Lawrence as well.

 

Wee shout out for Johnstone.:icon_mrgreen:

 

Getting to know Fiacre Kelleher


ON THE PITCH
What position do you play?
Centre-half. I have always played there throughout my career.
How long have you been part of the Celtic Youth Academy?
This is my fourth year now. I came from a club called Avondale back in Cork. Celtic picked me up from there after watching me. I signed in the summer of 2012 when I was 16.
Where do you hail from?
I am from a place called Blackrock in Cork. I live on the edge of the rough part of Cork, while Eoghan O’Connell is from the soft part! I lived there my whole life before I came over here. I now stay in Hamilton.
What are your main strengths as a player?
I don’t shut up! I am always talking on the pitch. I have a good presence and size about me and I’m quite quick in a straight line. I am decent at organising and the vocal side of things, along with being good in the air.
What areas of your game are you looking to improve?
I want to sharpen up my feet and be able to turn quicker. I also want to improve my passing as the manager wants to play from the back so it’s important I can do that. You can always improve every part of your game but those are the main things I’m focusing on.

Career highlight so far?
Winning the Youth Cup last year. That was nice. We won the game 5-2 and played really well in the semi-final and the final. It was a really good way to top off the season and get some silverware after losing out on the league title.
Next on the agenda?
I am going to be playing for the Development Squad again this season so I will look to do well there and try and impress the manager.

Aims for the season?
Winning the league with the Development Squad would be one. I can still play in the Youth Cup this season so I would like to win that again and, of course, impressing the manager and coaches. You know the manager will give young players a chance from last season so that gives me motivation to do well and improve.

Greatest influence?
My three older brothers – I looked up a lot to them growing up and tried to follow them, along with my Dad. I wanted to be like them as they have a bit of a reputation from where I’m from of being good at stuff, so I was always known as their brother. They played hurling and were well known for that. They played for Cork Intermediates when they were younger, which would be the equivalent of our Development Squad. I started out playing hurling as I wanted to be like them but then I took a liking to football.

Football idol?
It has to be Roy Keane. I would also have to mention Wayne Sherlock, another hurler from back home who played for Cork. I always looked up to him. He had a great attitude in the way he played hurling which you can take into your own sport. He is from where I live so he is a bit of a local hero.

OFF THE PITCH
Favourite song
Ordinary Man by Christy Moore. It’s a really good song and I really like Christy Moore as an artist. The song has just been a long-time favourite of mine.

Favourite TV show/film
The Shawshank Redemption. It used to be my Dad’s favourite film as well and I watched it with him a good few times. I just liked the storyline behind it, and you can’t really beat Morgan Freeman as an actor.

Prized possession
I have a Blackrock jersey in my drawer that I have always kept since I was a little kid. They were my local hurling team and I have hung on to that since I was about eight.

What other sports or hobbies do you have?
Hurling, obviously, but I like a lot of other sports like golf and tennis. I also like to read. I like any type of book really but I particularly like thrillers. I play a lot of golf and tennis the odd time. I don’t have a golf handicap, but I’m better than Eoghan O’Connell which is a real highlight for me!

Celebrity crush
Margot Robbie, who was in Wolf of Wall Street.

 

Aye i agree with you,its something we've been missing for a while.

 

I agree with this too In the past we could rely on players who weren't Celtic fans coming here and becoming Celtic fans and playing for the jersey but in the modern era players will come here with one eye on the EPL. It can still happen, hopefully with Bitton but it'll be quite rare.

Thanks for the interviews Crow and Boyd. Hope we get to see a couple of these guys in the first team this season.

 

Getting to Know Conor Hazard
http://www.celticfc.net/news/9510

ON THE PITCH
What position do you play?
I’m a goalkeeper, but I’ve not always played there. I changed in 2012. I had been playing left midfield, and we were playing in the Foyle Cup. The goalkeeper got injured so I stepped in, saved a penalty and it all started from there. I played Gaelic when I was back in Ireland, so it was natural for me to use my hands, so the manager just put me in.
How long have you been part of the Celtic Youth Academy?
I joined the Celtic Youth Academy back on July 2, 2014.

Where do you hail from?
I’m from Downpatrick in County Down, Ireland.
What are your main strengths as a player?
Probably my handling would be one of my big strengths, and my height as well – coming out for crosses and dealing with long through balls. I think I’ve got quite good command of the area.
What areas of your game are you looking to improve on?
My footwork - playing it out from the back and taking the ball under pressure. I just need to sharpen up on those areas. Doing things like taking part in possession games with the outfield players will hopefully help.

Career highlight?
I’m 17 just now. Probably the highlight so far has been international games in the Euros, having good performances against the likes of Slovenia, Portugal and Turkey, and the Victory Shield victory against Scotland as well. And I’ve been called up for the U19s for the first time as well.

What’s next on the agenda?
I just want to keep trying to improve and get better at Celtic and hopefully push my way into the Development Squad and getting regular games with them. And also to try and get some good performances with the international side in these Euro games against Russia, Slovakia and Norway.

What are your aims for the season?
Probably just to develop all aspects of my game and try to get myself noticed, and this is the perfect club for me to be at.

Football idol?
Edwin van der Sar. He’s one of the best goalkeepers I’ve ever seen. He’s a player I looked up to and aspire to be like. I didn’t really like anyone else in the Manchester United team, only him. My Celtic idol would be Henrik Larsson for everything he did for the club, the goals he scored – and his chip against Rangers in the Demolition Derby was incredible.
OFF THE PITCH
Favourite song
I don’t really have a favourite song. I listen to all different types of music.

Favourite TV show/film
My favourite TV show would be Friday Night Lights. I enjoyed the drama of it.



Prized possession
My Grandda gave me a watch before he passed away and I wouldn’t let anyone go near it.
What other sports or hobbies do you have?
Gaelic and golf would be my other two main sports. I love Gaelic and when I was back home I’d play it every day with friends. I played for a team called Saul week in, week out and we won a lot of things. I also love playing golf whenever I get the chance.


What other sports or hobbies do you have?
Gaelic and golf would be my other two main sports. I love Gaelic and when I was back home I’d play it every day with friends. I played for a team called Saul week in, week out and we won a lot of things. I also love playing golf whenever I get the chance.

Celebrity crush
It would be Selena Gomez because she’s a 10 out of 10.

 

There celeb crushes are all shocking so far only 1 I agree with is Nicole Scherzinger

 

:smiley-laughing002:

 

You don't think Margot Robbie is bangin ?

That scene with the hidden camera in Wolf of wall street

 

I've had a look on Wiki and I can see why a few players picked her :smiley-laughing002:

 

Selena Gomez is alright but the fact she's banged Bieber knocks her down a few points