Michael O’Halloran watched Celtic beat St Mirren 2-0 on Saturday then waved good-bye to half of his squad.
Aidan McAdams, Shaun Bowyers, Wallace Duffy, Lewis Bell, Michael Johnston, Jack Aitchison and Broque Watson flew into Bucharest yesterday with the Scotland u-17 squad for two friendlies against Romania.
Scott Gemmill’s squad return on Thursday night with O’Halloran’s side next in action on Sunday against Hearts at Lennoxtown.
Saturday’s match was the third game in seven days with goals in each half from Bell and Aitchison securing a home win.
It was the second league game running that Bell had opened the scoring, both coming from powerful shots from outside of the penalty box, with O’Halloran pleased with the way his captain is leading by example.
“Lewis had always had an eye for goal, he gets himself forward and could maybe do that a bit more,” the Celtic coach said. “He has good shooting ability in either foot
“He got a few decent headers in from corners and might have got more than one goal. He gets into good positions and that’s pleasing for any coach to see.”
Bell crashed in the opening goal nine minutes from half time but it wasn’t until the 86th minute that the points were secured when Aitchison converted from close range.
The second goal was created expertly by Grant Thorburn who charged forward down the left before executing a perfect cross for Aitchison to score from at the back post.
“I don’t like singling payers out but Grant had been out for over a year with an injury,” O’Halloran added. “He has been feeling his way back into things, he’s enthusiastic, hard working and has a good turn of pace.
“I’m delighted to see him put in a performance like that. He’s been through a long slog with the physios and in rehab. He deserved his chance today and grasped it with both hands. We are delighted to have him back after such a long lay off.”
Celtic Development side beat Aberdeen 1-0 today with the goal coming from Jamie McCart, on Thursday Stevie Frail’s side travel to meet Hibs at Ainslie Park, kick off 2pm.
CLICK HERE for match report on St Mirren match.