Stevie Frail knows that Celtic still have their work cut out to lift the SFA Youth Cup.
Yesterday’s 2-0 win over Aberdeen followed on from victories over Hearts and Hibs to book a place in tomorrow’s semi-final draw.
Kilmarnock, Dunfermline and either Dundee United or St Mirren will join the hoops in tomorrow’s draw with Frail well aware of the dangers ahead.
“Dunfermline gave us a tough game recently, St Mirren beat us before Christmas and we drew 1-1 with Dundee United in midweek,” the Celtic coach pointed out.
“Whoever we get will give us a hard game, we know that. We’re in the semi-final and we’ll just make sure that we’re ready for it.
“It was pleasing to beat Aberdeen but again I don’t think that we are playing as well as we can. The first half was reasonable, in the second half we got a little bit bogged down.
“We scored two good goals in the first half. Leo Fasan pulled off a great save at 0-0 then we scored two excellent goals.
“Aberdeen made it difficult for us, condensed the space and we didn’t get in behind them as much as we’d hope for.”
In yesterday’s other quarter-final ties Dunfermline beat Inverness Caley Thistle 3-2 with Kilmarnock thumping Cowdenbeath 6-0. Dundee United face St Mirren tomorrow night.
Celtic return to league business tomorrow with a visit to Falkirk at the Falkirk Stadium, kick-off 7pm.
CELTIC 2-0 Aberdeen:
Goals: P Twardzik 24, Herron 29
Fasan; Miller, Fraser, Findlay, Chalmers; Herron, Kidd, Atajic (Lindsay 74), P. Twardzik; Johnstone, (George 62) Watt
SUBS: Thomson, O’Connell, Henderson
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Wise words indeed, after 3 very difficult ties we still have much work to do. Good to know we have got into such a strong position and still to hit top form. I’m sure the players will find another gear when we really get down to the business end of the season.
We seem to have been relying on various individuals for moments of brilliance to carry us through. Now it’s time for the entire team to step up and reap the rewards for all their hard work.