Celtic youngster Rocco Vata scored his first senior goal in football on Sunday afternoon. The 18-year-old came on for the last 25 minutes of the Hoops’ 5-0 win over Buckie Thistle and impressed.

In his cameo, Vata showed some promising signs. He provided a different dynamic to Kyogo in attack and was rather effective.

The Irishman remains a teenager, and although manager Brendan Rodgers was pleased with his weekend display, he admitted that he doesn’t expect Vata to be fully ready to be a consistent first-team player for his side for a few years yet: “He is 18”, he said (Clyde 1).

“I don’t need players ready at 18 unless they are real, real special talents, but by 20-21 they need to be ready.”

Throughout his managerial career, the double-treble-winning boss has brought numerous youngsters through the ranks at various clubs. Vata could be the next, but it is early days in the youngster’s career.

Nothing should be taken away from his eye-catching weekend cameo, however. Such a performance inevitably added fuel to the fire regarding discussions over his future.

Indeed, Vata’s Celtic contract is due to expire this summer. There has been reported interest from Italy, but Rodgers was asked post-match against Buckie if the offer of a new deal at the Hoops is there for the player: “I believe so”, he said (Clyde 1).

“There’s been chats around that but my focus is purely on the playing aspect. But there will be something there for him, I’m sure.”