Youth/Development Team Thread

Youths lead 1-0 at half time having dominated the first 45 minutes.

 

No Aitchison, is he injured?

Hopefully he's in the squad for tomorrows game.

 

FT Inverness 0 Celtic 1

 

CELTIC got back to winning ways in the SPFL Development League with a 1-0 victory over Inverness CT. In a dominant performance from the young Celts, a first-half own goal gave them the three points in difficult conditions in the Highlands.

Tommy McIntyre's side controlled possession from start to finish and could have won by a healthier margin but for the woodwork and an impressive goalkeeping performance from the Caley keeper.

Due to their involvement in other competitions such as the UEFA Youth League, Scottish Youth Cup and Premier League International Cup, Celtic are currently playing catch-up in the Development League, having played up to five games fewer than some of their opponents.

A 2-2 draw with Hamilton Accies earlier in the week took Tommy McIntyre’s side to five games unbeaten in domestic competition heading into the clash with bottom-placed Caley Thistle, with Kristoffer Ajer and Eoghan O’Connell paired up for Celtic in the centre of defence, while Luke Donnelly led the attack alongside Regan Hendry.

Celtic had the first chance of the game when Conor McManus sent Aidan McIlduff through on goal in the second minute. His shot beat the Caley Thistle keeper but was denied by the post.

McIlduff, who had been handed the captain’s armband for the game, nearly had another chance to break the deadlock when he latched on to a loose ball in the final third but a strong last-ditch tackle cleared the danger for the home side.

The Hoops hit the woodwork for a second time before the half hour mark. McManus struck a half-volley from 25-yards out that rattled the frame of the goal.

But minutes later Celtic took the lead. Mikey Johnston dribbled past two players in the box before sliding the ball low across goal, which was diverted into the net by Caley Thistle defender Jamie Wilson.

The Hoops had further chances but couldn't add to their advantage before the break, with Donnelly shooting wide of the mark and Johnston having a close-range effort saved by the keeper.

Celtic started the second-half brightly and nearly doubled their lead when Hendry rose highest to meet a cross in the box. His powerful header forced a good save from the Inverness keeper.

McIlduff and Johnston continued to torment when cutting inside from wide positions. Johnston could have scored on the hour mark if not for a sliding tackle from the Caley Thistle goalkeeper following McManus’ through ball.

Substitute PJ Crossan had a chance to get a second for Celtic when he controlled a pass from Hendry in the area but the striker could only find the side-netting with his shot from a difficult angle.

 

Brendan said some of the younger players will get game time tomorrow. Who do we expect to see play?

 

I'd say the standouts have been Miller, Ajer, Ralston and Aitchison.

 

Anyone see much of PJ Crossan? Had high hopes for him since he was signed.

 

In and out from what I've seen. Looks a good player but..

I'd say Miller must have a good chance of getting game time if the rumours of Brendan specifically wanted TM to stick him at left back for a few game's. Considering KT is out and McGregor has played the odd one in from Izzy..

Ajer, Miller, Aitchison and Hill are all equipped to come in sparingly to what we've got for me. Ralston as well although he's really raw..

 

He's looks decent but nothing special as of yet. Impressive in a physical sense, quite strong with a decent burst of speed.

 

Cheers! Is Hill a midfielder or defender? Also any chances of any of the likes of McCabe, Doolan, or Hazard making it at the GK spot in next few years? Im curious to see if Joshua Rae will ever fufill his potential, signed a few years ago at 13 or 14 years old, trained with Atletico Madrid at one point. Haven't heard anything since.

 

Midfielder mate. Good energy and size about him. Box to box... Don't see why he couldn't slot in next to Broony or Armstrong if 1 was out for whatever reason. Got him from Accies and at the time think Utd were interested as he was supposedly rapid..

Doolan looks ok. Thought Hazard looked better myself but think Doolan is number 1..

Neck on the line and say that Mikey Johnston has the makings of a first team Celtic player. Really like the look of that boy..

 

Hill's a midfielder. Quite a hard *.

Can't really comment on McCabe or Hazard, haven't seen them enough. Doohan is inconsistent (as is to be expected). Couple of times I've seen him he's looked great but he's also had a couple of sort of clangers this season. Looks quite small for a 'keeper.

 

Really like the look of Johnston. Tricky wee guy.

 

Fast, tricky, brave and a good confident wee player who has made an impact everytime I've watched the youngsters on the box..

Let's hope he's more McGeady/Maloney than George..

 

Youth players are better getting experience in playing in different positions . Builds up their skill level & understanding of the game .

 

Hope so.

His record for the under 17's (I assume) last year was incredible. 27 goals in 29 games.

 

Some of these boy's really need to go out on loan sooner rather than later..

Aitchison has movement well beyond his year's. He must be due going away and getting first team football to toughen him up. Ralston as well could do with getting a higher loan this time at a Morton, Queen of the South. Aitchison to a Livi below..

 

Didn't know that..

Impressive..

Where's that big boy Luke Donnelly?

 

On loan at Alloa. Scored on his debut but can't find any other info about his stats.