Youth/Development Team Thread

Bell on for Hendry.

Duffy on for Archibald.

 

Full time Hamilton 0 Celtic 0

The hoops end the season in 3Rd spot on 63 points.

 

CELTIC’S Development Side concluded their league campaign with a goal-less draw away to Hamilton which saw them finish third in the table.

In a hard-fought contest in Lanarkshire, Calvin Miller came closest for the young Hoops when he struck the post in the first half.

The home side needed a win to claim the title at the expense of Ross County, but they were unable to breach a resilient Celtic rearguard and goalkeeper Conor Hazard, who made several smart saves.

Tommy McIntryre had made two changes from the side that fought back to draw with Kilmarnock on Monday night, a result which ended Celtic's championship aspirations, though they did end the season in possession of the Youth Cup.

Hazard replaced Ross Doohan between the sticks, while Joe Thomson came in for Wallace Duffy. Aidan McIlduff donned the captain’s armband.

As the young Celts looked to take the early initiative, it took a last-gasp tackle from Alex Gogic to prevent PJ Crossan bearing down on goal inside the opening two minutes.

The home side replied with a low attempt from Steven Boyd, which forced Conor Hazard into a superb low save, but the Bhoys had settled into their stride and were starting to boss possession.

An inviting cross from McIlduff, bursting forward from left-back, was intercepted by goalkeeper Darren Jamieson, with Crossan ready to pounce.

And then, from a quickly-taken free-kick, Miller collected the ball down the right and sent in a cross-shot that cannoned off the foot of the post, before being hurriedly cleared by the Accies defence.

Despite controlling proceedings, McIntyre’s side were struggling to fashion meaningful chances and, as Hamilton rallied before the break, Hazard was called into action twice in quick succession.

First he had to race out quickly to save from David Templeton after Ryan Tierney’s shot had been charged down and then he tipped over a header from Templeton following a cross from the right.

The Irish youngster also had to react swiftly to block Boyd’s rasping drive. He was then alert to the rebound, bravely smothering the ball and taking a sore one from Lewis Ferguson in the process, which earned the Hamilton player a yellow card.

Celtic had the last attacking foray of the first half when Crossan and Hendry threatened to capitalise after a long throw-in and they continued to make the running in the opening stages of the second period.

Aside from a low shot from Hendry, however, which Jamieson saved at his near post, the Bhoys were unable to find the killer pass or cross when they did get into promising positions in the final third.

It was centre-half Fiacre Kelleher who came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors, the defender heading over from Thomson’s free-kick and bringing out a save from Jamieson with a dipping shot.

Searching for a winning goal that would secure them the title, Accies committed more men forward as the game wore on but they couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Hoops backline, backed up by Hazard.

Boyd curled over, Josh Kerr made a terrific last-ditch block to deny Ryan Tierney and Hazard made another brilliant block to thwart Ferguson, much to the home crowd’s frustration.

And Celtic could have won it late on as they surged forward on some late breakaways, with Miller having a shot saved by Jamieson, as the match ended in stalemate.

 

Hope Congerton and his team come back with a few gems from that u17 tournament.

 

Josh Kerr on his way to Brighton.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/05/1...eal-for-celtic-starlet-kerr-do-not-publish-y/

 

Wouldn't be surprised to see Kerr move on.

With us bringing another CB in and Ajer highly rated by Brendan I can't really see him making an impact.

 

Brentford B have signed Scottish youth international Theo Archibald from Celtic on a three-year deal



https://mobile.twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/863076725755916293




Scotland Under-19 international Theo Archibald has joined Brentford B, signing from Celtic for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old completed a medical and will officially join The Bees on 10 June. He has signed a three-year contract but Celtic have allowed him to train with Brentford B this week and he can play in the match against Manchester City at Griffin Park next Monday, 15 May.

Theo came through the youth ranks at Celtic, earning himself a professional contract with the Glasgow side. He spent time on loan at Scottish League One side Albion Rovers earlier this year, playing five games for the North Lanarkshire outfit. He has played for Celtic in the UEFA Youth League – which runs alongside the UEFA Champions League and involves the same teams – for the past two seasons. He has made 11 appearances at that level and scored two goals.

Theo has earned international recognition for his performances, first being selected to train with Scotland when he was part of the Under-14 group. He played in the Victory Shield when at Under-16 level and made his Under-19 debut earlier this year. He earned two caps at Under-19 level and played for Scotland in the final qualifying rounds for the European Championships in March.

Robert Rowan, Brentford FC Head of Football Operations, said: “It’s been an ongoing process for the last few months with Theo and Celtic so I am very happy that we’ve reached this point and secured Theo on a three-year contract. I know Theo well from my previous jobs at Celtic and the Scottish FA. He’s a driven, professional and committed athlete whom over the last few months our staff have got to know better from a personal and football perspective. It is always important that the people we bring to the Club have the right character and personality and will fit well with the group. I like Theo as a young man and know he is the sort of person who fits our ethos.

“Theo is an inverted right winger, he’s powerful, quick, direct and intelligent in possession. Our plan is to do some work with him in relation to our style of play in order to fine-tune some areas of his game, particularly off the ball and align him with how we want to play. He has only just turned 19 so there is lots of development to take place over the length of the contract but the staff are looking forward to working with him to improve. He will join up with his team-mates for training on Saturday and will be available to feature against Manchester City. I would like to thank Celtic Football Club for their support and guidance throughout this signing process.”

 

This not the 1st time in years we haven't won it?

 

https://videocelts.com/2017/05/blogs/younghoops/kilmarnock-0-6-celtic/


U17 side beat Kilmarnock 6-0

Henderson with 3, Aitchison, Welsh and McGrath with the other goals.

 

CELTIC are delighted to confirm that young midfielder Mark Hill has today signed a new three-year deal with the club.

The 18-year-old, who has been part of the Celtic Youth Academy for five years, has been a key figure for the Development Squad this season, and he starred in the side which lifted the Youth Cup at Hampden last month following an impressive 3-0 win over Rangers.

He has also garnered valuable experience against his top continental contemporaries in the UEFA Youth League and the Premier League International Cup over the past 12 months.

The young Celt’s impressive performances during the current campaign have seen him train with the first team, and breaking into the senior side will now become his target after he put pen to paper on his new contract which will run until June 2020.

Brendan Rodgers said: “I am delighted for Mark and his family, and now the hard work begins for him in making the next step from the Development Side to the first team.”

 

U17 team out with the Glasgow Cup



U20 side with the Scottish Cup

 

Brighton & Hove Albion have made their first addition to the under-23 squad this summer, after completing a deal for Celtic defender Josh Kerr.

Kerr who is adept at playing anywhere across the back four, will join for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract, when the transfer window officially opens on 10th June.

Under-23s coach Simon Rusk said, “We are delighted that we’ve been able to acquire the services of Josh for next season.

“He will be an excellent addition to the under-23 squad, and his versatility across the back four will be a key asset.

“We are looking forward to welcoming him into the squad for pre-season, and hopefully he can push on and challenge for a place in our first team.”

The 19-year-old leaves Glasgow after spending five years with the Scottish Premier League champions.

During his time with the Hoops, Kerr won the SFA Youth Cup, beating Rangers 3-0 in the final, and also played in the UEFA Youth League, where he came up against Barcelona and Manchester City.
http://www.seagulls.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/brighton-hove-albion-celtic-josh-kerr-3723369.aspx

 

Don't hear as much about this lad. Was in the Hamilton first team squad at 14 IIRC.

Midfielder?

 

Are we getting decent fees here or are they frees?

 

Centre mid..

I like him when seeing the youngster's. Energetic and box to box. Decent passer..

Still only 18..

 

Might get some sort of development fee.

 

Carbon copy of Broony. His engine is incredible. Can't remember the last time I seen a centre mid with his pace.

 

u17 side beating Aberdeen 4-0 today.

Aitchison and Marku put Celtic 2 0 up

Just like the first team Celtic race into a 3 0 lead away to Aberdeen, the goal machine that is Stephen Welsh on target fourth game running


Aitchison with another goal.
https://mobile.twitter.com/videocelts

 

6-0 now.