Stevie Frail
Celtic’s unbeaten u-19 side are back in action today against Dundee United after a month long lay off.
The match will be played at Lennoxtown with a 1pm kick-off, follow it on TWITTER.
Friendlies against Ayr Utd and Queens Park alongwith international duties for some players will have kept Stebie Frail’s side ticking over after an impressive start to the season where they won all three games without losing a goal.
James Keatings goal scoring has captured most of the attention but the Scotland striker will be missing today after being sent off for retaliation in injury time against Hearts after being fouled by two players at the same time.
Motherwell have moved into top position in the league with 13 points from six games, four more than Celtic, with today’s opponents, Dundee United, sitting in mid-table with seven points from four games.
Last season United finished fourth in the table but were involved in one of the most memorable matches of the campaign when Celtic fought back from being 4-1 down at Tannadice in the SFA Youth Cup to win 5-4 with Filip Twardzik scoring the late winner.
United always provide good opposition and go into the match on the back of a 2-0 win away to St Johnstone last Friday.
Celtic have started this season with a very settled side but will be forced into changes today with Keatings suspended.
Frail has a couple of options to bring into the side but I’d expect Bahrudin Atajic to start the match. Atajic has shown a good instinct for goal in his appearances so far this season and was included in the first team squad that beat Bohemians 4-1 last Sunday and set up the fourth goal for Daryl Murphy.
At the back Celtic have been very settled with Robbie Thompson keeping three clean sheets behind a back four of Stephen O’Donnell, Lewis Toshney, Matty Hughes and Kieran Brennan.
In central midfield Callum Bagshaw and Jordan Lowdon have established a good understanding, both players like to get as involved as possible and are always on the look out for a quick pass forward.
Despite Keatings playing as a sole striker the formation is anything but defensive with three attack minded players playing in support.
Michael Ordish and Callum McGregor can play on either flank with Patrik Twardzik in the centre supporting Keatings in a role that is difficult for opposing defenders to pick up.
League leaders Motherwell play Rangers at Bathgate today with an 11am kick-off.
UPDATE Celtic 2-1 Dundee United
Izaguirre fit for Dundee Utd match
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