Greig Spence, Nick Feely and Lewis Toshney have been called into the Celtic squad for the opening Next Gen Series match with Marseilles tomorrow night.
John Kennedy’s u-19 squad will be boosted by the addition of three overage players as Celtic take their first steps into the new look tournament billed as the Champions League of youth football.
Tournament rules allow for three players under-20 to be included with Feely, Toshney and Spence important members of last season’s double winning youth squad.
Toshney played in every match and made his first team debut as a substitute away to Aberdeen in November. Spence missed most of the season through injury but timed his return to perfection playing a vital part in the run in to the season including the opening goal in the SFA Youth Cup win over Rangers at Hampden.
Feely broke into the team in February and quickly established himself as the first choice keeper with his assured handling and composure in the penalty box.
Barcelona and Manchester City complete Celtic’s group with Chris McCart, head of the Celtic Academy making a telling comment when asked about facing Barcelona.
“Their first team is their academy,” he stated in reference to the incredible number of players who have came through the ranks at the Camp Nou.
McCart added: “We’re very pleased to be involved in the NextGen Series. We believe it is a tournament which will give our young players the perfect opportunity to develop.
“Playing in such a competitive environment against players from the best clubs across Europe can only be an excellent experience and I am sure it is something which can only bring real benefits to our players and to the club.”
On Saturday Celtic opened their league campaign with a 4-3 win away to Hibs thanks to a hat-trick from Tony Watt before Filip Twardzik scored the winning goal.
Laura Brannan from the Celtic website will accompany the squad on the trip to Marseilles, keep upto date with her mix of footy, fashion, music and ‘culture’ through her twitter account. Banter bhoy Spence and laid back Toshney are also on twitter.
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