ANGE POSTECOGLOU has revealed that he is determined to award young players with first-team experience if he feels they merit it.
Most recently, Rocco Vata, Ben Summers and Tobi Oluwayemi have been spotted in training with the senior squad.
The introduction of the B squad to the Lowland League this season it’s given Celtic’s young talents the chance to test themselves against fully developed men. This will do the world of good for their development, instead of the odd friendly here and there.
Speaking at Friday’s Presser, Postecoglou went into depth about his vision for Celtic’s young players and how he will treat them. [Celtic TV]
“It’s important, because they have to feel like the window of opportunity is there for them.
“It’s one thing to be doing well at B Team level, or Under 18s. But ultimately their biggest reward is knowing an opportunity exists for them.
“Whenever we can, we’ll bring up young guys who we feel deserve to train with the first team, and give them that taste of it as a bit of a reward. But also, show them that the opportunity exists for those excel at the level below us. We’ve given opportunities to a number of guys from the B Team, others have come and trained with us.
“We need to make our young players feel that there is a reward for them if they continue to do the right things, and play good football. The ultimate reward for them is for us to show them that you will get noticed. The opportunity exists, you won’t get ignored. There isn’t a blockage there for them.
“Hopefully they train here, then they go back and they’re excited, the guys they’re training with are excited for them and also want to taste it themselves. For us it’ll always be an important part of our football club. We need to be a club that produces our own talent. Providing opportunity is the key to that.”
Ange wants to use younger layers when they are ready. We’ve seen that already this season, with Joey Dawson and Owen Moffat getting their first-team appearances. Dane Murray has also played for the first team this season, although he was thrown in by need rather than choice. Tobi Oluwayemi has been on Postecoglou’s bench many times this season, domestically and in Europe.
Hopefully, players will see a route to the first team under Ange, and unlike Doak, look to stay in Scotland and fight for a place.
It’s important Celtic youngsters know there’s a feasible route to the first team.
