John Kennedy enjoyed a roller-coaster start to his managerial career as Celtic’s u-19 side beat Hibs 4-3 at the Hibs Training Centre today.
Tony Watt scored a hat-trick and picked up two yellow cards before Filip Twardzik scored the winning goal for the ten man Celts.
Kennedy barely played any youth team football after being elevated into the first team squad at the age of 16 but enjoyed the emotions of his first game in charge after his high profile testimonial match in midweek.
“I’ve been working with the boys in pre-season but today it all became competitive and it was good to be involved again and win three points,” the new boss admitted.
“I missed the competitive side of the game when I had to stop playing but went through all the emotions today. The players were well prepared but once the game starts you only really have half-time to get your views across.
“I’ve got into the coaching side earlier than I’d have liked but I always thought that I’d be involved in this aspect, unfortunately it’s come earlier than I’d have liked but this is a great opportunity for me.”
Ross Caldwell put Hibs in front after 15 minutes but a double from Tony Watt put Celtic in front but the homeside equalised through Sam Stanton just before the interval.
Hibs went in front again early in the second half through Danny Handling but Watt headed in his third of the day from a corner to level the scores before Filip Twardzik sealed a dramatic win for the ten men/bhoys.
“We started the first half well then gave a goal away cheaply but we reacted well with two good goals from Tony.
“It was a tough test for the players in their first competitive game of the season, especially down to ten men for part of the match.
“We were under a bit of pressure but Filip came up with a good low shot for the winner and we saw the game out.
Hibs: Paul Grant, Jamie Doris, Bradley Donaldson, Jack Verth, Marc Lancaster, Dean Horribine, David Gold, Harry Monaghan, Sam Stanton, Danny Handling, Ross Caldwell.
Subs: Euan Smith for Handling, Phil Addison for Stanton, Alex Harris for Doris.
CELTIC: Robbie Thomson: Marcus Fraser, Jackson Irvine (captain), Curtus Jones, Joe Chalmers; Lewis Kidd, Filip Twardzik, Callum McGregor, Rhys Williamson; Tony Watt, Bahrudin Atajic
SUBS: P Twardzik (Atajic), Herron (Williamson), Mikey Miller (Kidd) , Paul George, Denny Johnston, Leo Fazan
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Joe, will paul george be starting soon? Really needs to be a standout this season if he’s gonna get a shot at the first team I think.
I’d expect Paul George to be heavily involved in this season’s u-19 side playing wide or as a striker.
On Thursday he had been away with the Ireland u-19 side in Serbia.
Joe has Stevie Frail left the club? And any news on Keatings and McGeough injuries?
Stevie Frail has moved up to work with Danny McGrain and the development squad.
I think it’ll be Christmas before Keats is fit again, McGeough is back towards full training after his metatarsal injury, hopefully he should be playing again next month.
Cheers Joe, a real shame for Keats.
Was Irvine at centre half?
Jackson Irvine was centre half. When Lewis Kidd was substituted Jackson went into midfield with Marcus Fraser moving in to partner Curtis Jones, substitute Mikey Miller went to right back.
Do you know if the speculation about Feruz leaving the club is true, Joe?
I wouldn’t go printing FERUZ on the back of my hoops!
He thinks he’s big time, not sure where he’s going or what Celtic will get paid for him but I’d expect to see two from George, Herron, Chalmers and Fraser feature in a James Forrest sort of way in the first team within three seasons.
I don’t expect to see Feruz in the Chelsea/Man City/Real Madrid/Barcelona team.
More chance of Islam playing for Chelsea, how many Scots started the Dundee Utd game? and Jamesy is the only bhoy from the youth to break through, the bhoys you mention will never wear the hoops, first team, Lennon doesn’t believe in youth academies , said it himself, as soon as ge took the job from Mowbry.