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Filip Twardzik’s Belgian d-tour to first team duty

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Thursday in Belgium with Patrik

Filip Twardzik took the tourist route to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium via Belgium!

The Czech youngster could have been in action for Celtic’s u-19 side at the Eurofoot Cup but was recalled to Glasgow by Neil Lennon.

Twardzik lined up in the unfamiliar position of left-back as Celtic faced Lyon in the opening match of the Emirates Cup and played for 69 minutes before being replaced by Charlie Mulgrew.

“On Thursday I was in Belgium and Stevie Frail said that I had to fly back to play for the first team against Lyon, it was a good surprise,” the 17-year-old revealed.

“I flew straight back to Glasgow and joined up with the rest of the squad to go to London.

“I don’t know how many fans were in the stadium but it was a good atmosphere and a great experience to be playing.

“Left-back isn’t my favourite position, I’ve not played there for a year but you have to take any chance when you are in the first team.

“The manager just told me to stick to my usual game and keep things simple. It was good to have Milan beside me in defence and Aiden in front which helped me.”

The Emirates display capped a great week for the twin whose brother Patrik had scored the only goal of the game earlier in the day as Celtic’s u-19 side beat Botofogo of Brazil in the Eurofoot Cup.

On Tuesday, in a more attacking midfield role he scored the only goal of the game as Celtic’s u-19s defeated Liverpool at Lennoxtown.

After that game youth boss Frail said: “It’s good to hear that the manager (Neil Lennon) is talking about the younger lads, I heard that Filip did well at Lincoln but we’re still working on his fitness. It’s our job to make these players recognised.

“When Filip steps up to take a free kick we’re always hopeful that he can score. He works hard on free kicks in training but a lot of it is down to sheer ability.

“ He has a good technique and we encourage him to practise. He works on hitting the target and it was a great goal against Liverpool.”

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