Stevie Frail was delighted to see his Celtic side beat Livingston and book a final place against Rangers in the SFA Youth Cup.
Greig Spence’s 10th minute goal was the difference between the two teams with Livi pushing Celtic all the way in a bid to take the match into extra-time.
Semi-finals are often described as ‘tense, nervous affairs’ with tonight’s game matching that description perfectly.
The victory sets the season up nicely with Celtic and Rangers both knowing that winning their remaining matches will guarantee a league and cup double.
Although falling some way short of their best form Frail was pleased with the determination and discipline that his players showed to steer their way into the final.
He said: “We got to a cup final, all the pressure and expectations were on us. Players have their own expectations, their families were there to watch the game and that adds extra pressure.
“Players need to know that if they are going to make it at Celtic that there is expectations on them every single game of their career.
“They have to stand up and take it when teams are coming at them, everyone wants to beat Celtic.”
Spence got Celtic off to the perfect start when he bundled the ball into the net from close range after Matty Hughes had headed a Sean Fitzharris corner back across goal.
Paul Slane, a January signing from Motherwell, made his first appearance of the season for the u-19 side and looked impressive with his turn of pace and close control.
Despite having the bulk of possession chances were few and far between with only a couple of useful looking crosses from the wings to test the Livingston defence.
At times Celtic got close to hitting form but the final delivery wasn’t quite upto scratch although Sean Fitzharris had two decent second half penalty claims ignored by the referee.
“There was lots to be pleased about from the performance but equally there is a lot that we need to work at,” Frail added.
“We did a lot of things well from middle to front but the final ball and decision making was a bit of a let down, however ultimately we’re really pleased to be in the final.
“I think that Paul Slane became more influential as the game developed, he showed a lot in the second half.
“We swapped him with Sean Fitzharris to get them having a go at the opposite full-backs. This was the first time that Paul has worked with most of the players.
“He can be pleased with his performance, we’re pleased with his performance, everything that he brought to the game enhanced what we have.”
CELTIC: Giordano; Towell, Hughes, D. Gallagher, Lowdon; Bagshaw, G Gallagher, Keatings; Fitzharris, Spence (F. Twardzik 83), Slane (McGregor 90)
