Celtic’s youths better than Milan and Madrid​

Celtic’s talented youngsters have – for the very first time in the club’s history – reached the final of the illustrious Villarreal International Youth Tournament, where they will face English giants Liverpool.

Their place in the final was confirmed yesterday, following on from a morale-boosting defeat of the Japanese national team – no mean feat, when taking into consideration the expansion of the game in the Far East in recent years.

Nonetheless, it is the two victories against their Italian and Spanish counterparts which should prove to be the greatest indicator of the wonderful roles coaches Tommy McIntyre and Stevie Frail are performing at the club.

At the back, the performances of Grant and Declan Gallacher have resulted in great acclaim, while goalkeeper Danielle Giordano has been in imperious form throughout the event.

James Forrest, who had tasted the agony of a penalty miss against Madrid, showed no hesitation in taking one against Milan – converting it with some aplomb in the end; this, an act which McIntyre stated “showed great character.”

Forrest also converted a penalty against the Japanese, in a 2-1 victory, while Head of Youth Development Chris McCart was jubilant after Declan Gallacher’s “brilliant volley from a well-worked corner.”

A fantastic achievement from a group of young men who have shown grit, determination, and no lack of skill. At a time when Celtic have openly declared their intention to focus on developing their youth in coming years, it is clear for all to see that this is a process which is already meeting with great success.

Good luck to the Bhoys tonight. While a great challenge lies ahead, they will hold no fear, having claimed some of the greatest scalps Europe and the World have to offer.

Kick off – 8:30PM.

DM