Youth/Development Team Thread

If it's the huns the game should be on the SFA YouTube account.

 

CELTIC were held to a goalless draw away to Dundee as Tommy McIntyre’s young Celts ended the first half of the season unbeaten in the league. The Hoops came close on a number of occasions and began to control the game in the later stages but had to settle for a point in the end.

Both teams pressed each other high up the pitch in the early stages and wasted little time in creating opportunities. PJ Crossan, who has been gaining first-team experience on loan at Alloa Athletic this season, almost put Celtic ahead inside the first minute after winning the ball on the byline. The Hoops striker showed great speed and strength to shrug off a challenge but his shot hit the side-netting.

Dundee responded quickly and came within inches of grabbing a goal moments later. The home side won the ball after pressing Celtic deep inside their half and James Vincent was in enough space in the box to receive the cutback. Ross Doohan watched as the ball came off the inside off his post and the danger was quickly cleared.

Anthony Ralston caused problems for Dundee down the right with his willingness to run at the opposition defence. Midway through the half he sped past his man and fired a great ball across the Dundee box. No Hoops players were able to get on the end of it but the ball almost found the top corner.

Five minutes later he again burst past his man and swung a dangerous ball into the box for Crossan, but the pass was cleared for a corner before he could get on the end of it.

Dundee continued to press Celtic throughout the half which afforded McIntyre’s side the opportunity of catching their opponents on the counter attack. Just before half-time Ewan Henderson showed impressive pace to make up the distance and win the ball ahead of the Dundee defence. He controlled the ball well and cut it back for Watson but his shot was blocked.

The fast pace of the game continued into the second half as both teams went in search of a goal. Robbie Deas made a vital tackle shortly after the restart when a looping ball was played over the Hoops defence to the feet of Jack Lambert who looked to be through on goal. The Celtic defender responded quickly, though, and blocked the shot.

He almost made an equally important contribution at the other end when his header from a Celtic free-kick forced a great reaction save from Colum Ferrie in the Dundee goal.

Celtic saw more of the possession in the second half and looked to have found their rhythm as they pressed the opposition defence. Jack Aitchison replaced PJ Crossan in attack and the young striker quickly showed what he was capable of as he linked up well with Ewan Henderson. A great ball over the top of the Dundee defence almost sent Aitchison on his way but the keeper rushed off his line to thwart the danger.

Aitchison’s best opportunity came five minutes from the end when he worked space for himself inside the box and fired a shot across goal, forcing a great save from the keeper.

McIntyre’s side go into the winter break, having won five and drawn only one of their six league games so far. Their next fixture will be Ross County at home on January 22 in what will be a busy second half to the season, where they will have to play their eight games in hand.

CELTIC (4-2-3-1) Doohan; Ralston (Bell 61), Duffy, Deas, Church; Hill, McInroy; Henderson, Hendry, Watson (Savoury 84), Crossan (Aitchison 61).
Not Used: Willisom, Diver, Caffrey, Welsh


Website Man of the Match: Robbie Deas

 

Sitting in 9th just now only played 6 games due to euro games.

 

Not been the best of seasons this year for the youths a mixed bag.

http://www.celticfc.net/table/youths

 

Hopefully it can be done.

 

Just need to work hard and things will happen.

 

Could be seeing KT, Forrest, McGregor, Ralston and Johnston all playing in the same team soon.

When you add Armstrong, Griff, Broony and Gordon that's some amount of homegrown talent.

 

I always find it wierd though how many of the team then doesn't train on. It seems a trend with Scottish Football in general.

 

Regan Hendry away out on loan to Raith.


Joe Thompson has gone to Queen Of The South on loan.

 

CELTIC’S Development Side will resume competitive action today following the winter break when they take on Dundee United in a league clash at St Andrews University (KO: 1.30pm).

And Tommy McIntyre has selected a youthful side for the match in Fife, with defender Jamie McCart – who spent the first half of the season on loan at St Mirren – the only player over the age of 18 in the starting XI.

Jack Aitchison will lead the line for the young Hoops, with Kieran Campbell, Ewan Henderson and Broque Watson providing close support.

At left-back, Daniel Church makes his long-awaited return from injury after a six-month spell on the sidelines.

The Bhoys will be aiming to maintain their impressive league form prior to the short winter shutdown, having notched up five wins and one draw from their six fixtures.



CELTIC (4-2-3-1) Mullen; Welsh, Deas, McCart, Church; Bell, McInroy; Campbell, E Henderson, Watson; Aitchison
Subs: Bradley-Hurst, Duffy, Jack, Kennedy, Diver, Potter

 

10 minutes played no goals yet.

 

Kerr McInroy makes it 1-0.

 

Henderson plays a pass to Aitchison but it's saved.