Celtic completed their participation in the Al Kass International Cup with a 3-2 win over Benfica earlier today.
Goals from Max Potter, Christian Antoniazzi and Kenny Mearns gave a youthful Celtic side victory with all three of the goalscorers eligible for next season’s u-17 side.
After the disappointment of losing out on a place in the knock out phase of the competition by a single goal Michael O’Halloran’s side turned on the style to beat the Portuguese side who are renowned for their youth policy.
Benfica took the lead in the 24th minute through Ricardo Campos but just before half time Potter controlled a cross from Kerr McInroy then cracked a shot into the net from eight yards out.
The Portuguese side regained the lead in the 68th minute but Antoniazzi showed great skill eight minutes later to create space in the penalty box, controlling the ball with his left foot then netting with his right on the half volley.
In the 90th minute Stevie Welsh showed great determination on the left side to send over a cross with substitute Mearns shooting low into the net from 15 yards out to give Celtic the victory.
The win went some way to make up for the disappointment of watching Estudiantes beat Redbull Salzburg 1-0 on Monday for a result that allowed both sides to qualify.
In their group matches Celtic had lost 3-1 to Salzburg and beaten Estudiantes 2-1.
CELTIC: McAdams; McKendry, Deas (Duffy 44), Potter (Bowers 75), Welsh; Campbell, McLaughlin (Johnston 46), McInroy, Church; Barr (Mearns 59), Antoniazzi