Celtic youths

Paul George: For club and country

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Paul George Celtic newsSeason 2011/12 could hardly have started any better for Paul George.

Sitting on the bench for the first team against Atletico Madrid was followed by a first team debut against Ross County in the League Cup.

Over the last week the Roy of the Rovers stuff has continued with crucial goals for Ireland and Celtic in the Next Gen Series.

Last Tuesday with Ireland trailing Russia by a goal and facing elimination from the European Championships George was sent on as a substitute and equalised six minutes later before setting up the second goal as Ireland won 3-1 to knock out Russians out.

On Monday night he was back in Celtic colours with an eye catching display against Manchester City in the Next Gen Series with two goals helping the young hoops to a 4-2 win over the big spending Premiership side.

“The Manchester City game was unbelievable,” he smiled with an understatement. “As a Celtic fan it’s brilliant to beat an English team, especially one like Manchester City and everyone is delighted by the result.

“We needed a win to get back in the group, we played well against Barcelona and Marseilles but didn’t get the results we needed but we managed that against Manchester City.

“None of our heads went down when they scored, we stuck together and got two goals in the first half and that gave us momentum, their heads dropped and we stayed confident.”

City travel to Celtic on November 7 but despite their convincing win in Manchester George knows that match will count for nothing when the two sides meet again at Celtic Park.

“We need to keep our heads down and concentrate,” he added. “We’ve got a few more Next Gen games coming up soon and need to win them, playing our matches at Celtic Parkt is a big incentive for us.

“Playing Barcelona on the main stage was great for us and we’ll take that experience onto the next game with Manchester City.”

Over the last month George has played for the Celtic first team, u-19’s and also Ireland.

The experience of international football and the Next Gen Series can only accelerate his development with the 17-year-old taking everything in his stride.

“Playing for the first team was absolutely amazing and playing for my country was one of the best things that has ever happened for me,” he added.

“When I was with Ireland the manager told me to make sure that I was ready. I came on and scored the equaliser against Russia, set up the next goal and we qualified which was unbelievable.

“My confidence was high and I brought that back to Celtic.

“After we had qualified the u-19 squad watched the senior international side qualify for the play-offs a and that also gave everyone a lift.”

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