Celtic youths

George at the double

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Image for George at the double

Paul GeorgePaul George sent Ronny Deila a two goal reminder from Turriff as Celtic’s development side continued their pre-season programme in the Highlands.

The majority of the team that had beaten East Kilbride 5-1 the previous Saturday found themselves in St Pauli leaving George as the elder statesman of the side that traveled to the north east.

A loan spell at Hamilton in the second half of last season failed to work out but on Saturday the Irish u-19 internationalist led by example as Celtic beat Turriff United 2-0.

“All players have something to prove, Paul’s attitude was excellent, he was the oldest in a young squad and did everything that we asked of him,” coach Stevie Frail explained.

“He came in from the left for the first goal, then shot with his right foot past the keeper. The second was a break from a corner, Aiden Nesbitt squared for him to finish.”

The development squad will always be a filter between the Celtic academy and the first team with continuity an unlikely luxury.

Frail’s squad set off in the newly named Development League next week with the side to face St Mirren at Cappielow, 24 hours before the first team face Legia Warsaw at Murrayfield, anyone’s guess.

“We will play a younger team against Manchester City on Tuesday,” Frail added. “With the first team involved in the Champions League we’ll wait to see who is available after the weekend.

“That’s the way it is at this level and we’re always wanting to give boys their chance to push into the first team squad.

“There’s a few of them making an impact, like Callum McGregor and Liam Henderson. That is the example for everyone that is in and around the development squad.”

CELTIC: Fasan; Breslin (Anthony Ralston 75), Kelleher, McCart ,MacIlduff: Nesbitt, Thomson Tierney Miller (Henry 68),George (Rory Currie 82); Donnelly

CLICK HERE for pictures from Turriff United 0-2 Celtic

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