Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told the club’s youngsters where they need to improve following last night’s win over Sligo Rovers.
The Hoops travelled across the Irish Sea to play in a mid-season friendly at The Showgrounds.
Despite some hitches, the Bhoys eventually emerged victorious, two late strikes from Luis Palma sealing the win.
The Honduran winger bagged a hat-trick in the game; both of his goals in the dying embers were set up by academy products.
Sean McArdle and Samuel Isiguzo – both just 17 years old – each assisted Palma to give the Scottish Premiership champions a victory back in their spiritual home.
The pair were two of several youngsters who were handed first-team opportunities last night; the likes of Lenny Agbaire, Francis Turley, Jude Bonnar, and Lewis Dobbie all started the match.
McArdle and Isiguzo, among others, came off the bench later on.
After the game, first-team boss Rodgers told the kids where they must get better.
“It’s physicality, and a lot of them need to improve on that aspect,” he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).
“They need to have more running power and get into contention more. They have talent with the ball, but it’s nowhere near enough.
“That physicality will allow them to play at a higher tempo, but it’s nice for them to feel that and play out there in front of a crowd and play with that personality that you need to play for Celtic.
“Some of them did really well.”
Rodgers is known for nurturing young talent. During his first spell at Celtic, he helped develop Kieran Tierney into an elite left-back who earned a big-money move to the English Premier League.
He has yet to bring through any academy kids in his second spell. Last night will have given him food for thought, though.
