John Kennedy was delighted by the performance of Leonardo Fasan as Celtic booked their place in the semi-final draw of the SFA Youth Cup.
Regular keeper Robbie Thomson picked up an injury at training on Friday that required the young Italian to step up for his u-19 debut.
With regular right-back Mikey Miller also missing the reshaped defence came through the match with flying colours as Kennedy’s side beat Aberdeen 4-1 at Pittodrie.
Two penalties from Filip Twardzik plus goals from Tony Watt and John Herron saw Celtic join St Mirren, Dundee United and Queen of the South in the last four with Kennedy pleased by his side’s display in seeing off Aberdeen.
“Aberdeen provided a good test but we started really well and Tony Watt’s goal set us up nicely,” Kennedy admitted.
“Robbie Thomson picked up a knock on Friday and that provided Leonardo with his opportunity.
“He came in and did very well. It was his first game at u-19 level and the experience will stand him in good stead in the future.
“He was very assured and took his chance well. With Mikey Miller injured and Darnell Fisher suspended we had to change the defence around a bit with Marcus Fraser at right-back and Jackson Irvine alongside Curtis Jones in the centre of defence.”
Watt opened the scoring in the ninth minute then was involved in the penalty incident just before half-time that put the visitors two up.
Aberdeen pulled a goal back in the 54th minute through Declan McManus and threatened an equaliser before John Herron restored Celtic’s two goal lead five minutes later with another Twardzik penalty in the 74th minute completing the scoring.
“We had a lot of good performances throughout the team,” Kennedy added.
“Getting to play at Pittodrie brought out the best in our players, they enjoy going to a good stadium and were able to draw on their experiences in the Next Gen Series.
“We needed the game in midweek against Inverness and that prepared us well for the Aberdeen match. They gave us a tough game earlier in the season and put us under a bit of pressure early in the second half when they pulled a goal back. Our players handled that well and came back strongly.
“It’s good to get a couple of games in and build up some momentum. The boys are working hard, showing a bit of form and now we can look forward to the game next weekend away to Dundee United.”
Celtic: Fasen, Fraser, Chalmers, F Twardzik, Jones, Irvine, Herron, McGregor, Watt (Alabi 90), McGeough (Kidd 70), P Twardzik
Subs Hart, Finlay, Atajic
CLICK HERE for Celtic 6-1 Inverness Caley Thistle match report
CLICK HERE for Hearts served with winding up order
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
