James Keatings
Youth team striker James Keatings is delighted to be back in the firing line and determined to score his way into Neil Lennon’s first team plans.
Keatings has been a prolific scorer throughout his career but was played out wide or in midfield last season as Celtic’s u-19 side stormed their way to the league and cup double.
Five goals against Hamilton Accies in the opening u-19 match of the season marked his intentions for the season with the goals flowing since then for club and country.
“Last season I played in a wider position but this season I’ve moved up front,” he explained to the Celtic View. “All the way through the ranks I’ve played as a striker so last season was a change for me.
“I played on the left wing because Greig Spence was doing well up front. I was still scoring but not as much as I should have been so this season has been different so far.
“I’ve scored seven in three games for Celtic and four in a week for my country and I’m happy with that but a lot of it is down to who I’m playing with.
“There has been some good through balls and general team play which has helped me to get my goals.”
Keatings spends his week training with the first team squad and has played as a substitute in the friendlies against Lincoln City and Bohemians.
Those outings are the first step on the ladder for the ambitious teenager who knows exactly what direction he wants his career to progress in.
“I don’t want my age to hold me back,” he added. “If I keep improving and playing then age won’t be a factor and hopefully I’ll get a chance in the first team soon.
“The manager saw me after the Hearts game and told me to keep doing what I’ve been doing, he’s really happy with me just now.”
Celtic’s u-19 side are back in action on Saturday against Dundee United at Lennoxtown with the game kicking off at 1pm.
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
This is the first official hands-on video that contains a demonstration of every key feature and benefit of the Samsung Galaxy Tab.