Youth/Development Team Thread

1-0 Loss tonight.


Celtic 4 points behind Hibs at top but still have 2 games in hand.


Only just got home or I would have posted updates.

 

Pretty disappointing result.

 

THERE was disappointment for Celtic’s Development Squad tonight (Monday) as a goal from Ally Roy at the start of the second-half was enough to give Hearts a 1-0 victory in their SPFL Development League clash at Ochilview Park, Stenhousemuir.

Tommy McIntyre’s side created chances throughout the game but were unable to get the breakthrough, with Viktor Noring in the Hearts goal denying the Hoops on a number of occasions.

It was actually Celtic’s goalkeeper, Conor Hazard, who was first called into action when he had to top a 25-yard free-kick on to the bar in the third minute. And three minutes later, it was Noring who produced a save to deny Jack Aitchison after the striker had been set up by Mikey Johnston following an impressive solo run.

Celtic were enjoying the majority of possession in the game without getting the breakthrough and the Hearts keeper produced three great stops around the half-hour mark to deny Aitchison, Kerr McInroy and Johnston in quick succession as the Hoops stepped up the pressure.

Hearts had a chance late in the half when Alex Petkov steered the ball narrowly wide from a free-kick fired into the Celtic box, but it was goal-less when the referee blew for half-time.

Within 60 seconds of the restart, however, Hearts took the lead when Ally Roy found space in the box and fired a shot which went in off the right-hand post.

It was a blow for Celtic, but the young Hoops continued to drive forward, now in search of an equaliser. Just after the hour mark, McInroy volleyed over at the far post after a superb run and cross from Sam Wardrop, and just three minutes later, Regan Hendry fired in a left-footed shot which Noring pushed away for a corner.

Roy came close to scoring his second of the night and doubling Hearts lead on 71 minutes when his shot cannoned off Josh Kerr’s back and went narrowly wide.

Mikey Johnston had another effort from the edge of the box, but it was held by the Hearts keeper, and it was to be the last clear chance for the Hoops, who were left frustrated at having lost a game they more than deserved to take something from.

Tommy McIntyre’s side must now bounce back quickly as they face Hibernian this Friday, February 20 in the fifth round of the SFA Youth Cup.

 

JACK Aitchison, who made his second appearance for the first-team recently, is one of eight Celtic Youth Academy players to have been called up for Scotland duty.

The 16-year-old came off the bench to earn the Hoops a late penalty, which was converted by Scott Sinclair, in the 4-0 win over Hearts at the end of January.

And he has been named in the Scotland Under-17 squad for their friendly double-header against Japan in Spain, alongside fellow young Celts Ryan Mullen, Stephen Welsh, Daniel Church, Robbie Deas and Kerr McInroy. Scott Gemmill’s side will be in action on Friday, February 24, and Sunday, February 26.

Meanwhile, David McKay and Karamoko Dembele have been named in the Scotland U16 squad for a UEFA development tournament, which will be staged at the Oriam.

The young Scots will face their counterparts from Croatia, Iceland and Austria between Monday, February 27, and Friday, March 3.

 

Karamoko Dembele is incredible. ..

 

Playing Hibs in the cup today. Quarter final.

Celtic U-20s: Hazard, Ralston, Wardrop, Kerr, McIlduff, Hill, Kouassi, Archibald, Thomson, Miller & Aitchison (4-2-3-1)

Subs: McAdams, Hendry, Welsh, Crossan, Johnston, Duffy & Bell.

 

I thought was tomorrow for some reason.

 

Almost set to get underway.

 

free-kick to Hibs as Hazard races from goal and impedes Shaw close to 18 yard line

 

15 minutes played no goals yet.

 

Chance for the hoops Hill with the effort.

 

Another Hoops chance this time from Archibald.

 

32 GOAL CELTIC!!!! Throw in from Hill on left lands at Aitchison in the box who lays it back to Kerr. Defender smashes it into the net 1-0

 

Archibald crosses from right to left and Miller tries a strike from the left edge of the 18 yard box but it flies over.

 

Half Time Celtic 1 up thanks to Kerr.

 

Teams back out.

 

Is our January signing playing

 

Aye.

 

55 played 1-0 Celtic.