Celtic’s u-17 side came out of their autumn hibernation tonight to beat Partick Thistle 7-0 in the Glasgow Cup.
Michael O’Halloran’s side hadn’t played a competitive match in more than a month due to u-16 and u-17 international commitments with some clubs calling matches off due to a shortage of player numbers.
Lochinch Stadium at Haggs Castle provided the venue with both sides facing dismal conditions of gale force winds and driving rain.
Celtic had the elements behind them in the first half but went in at the interval with only a Michael Johnston penalty to show for their efforts.
Early in the second half Christian Antonazzi replaced Kerr McInroy as O’Halloran shuffled the side around. The substitution resulted in Grant Thorburn dropping into the left-back role with Daniel Church moving into the centre of midfield.
Antonazzi put Celtic two up on the hour mark with Jack Aitchison scoring twice, Johnson getting his second, substitute Keiran Campbell netting and Aitchison completing his hat-trick to give the scoreline an emphatic look.
On Sunday Celtic resume league action with a trip to Ralston to take on St Mirren with the match kicking off at 2pm.
Next Wednesday Celtic’s u-19 side take on the Puskas Academy in the UEFA Youth League at Livingston hoping to overturn a 1-0 defeat from the first leg in Hungary. The winners of that tie will then face a one off tie against a runner-up from the
Champions League group phase.
CELTIC: McAdams; Bowyer, Duffy, McKendry, Church; McLaughlin, McInroy (Antonazzi); Watson (Campbell), Johnson (Mearns), Thorburn; Aitchison
Well done to the young team, brilliant
HH