John Kennedy is hoping that there are more players in his u-19 squad capable of following Tony Watt into Neil Lennon’s first team plans.
Paul George, Filip Twardzik, Dylan McGeough and Marcus Fraser have all made their top team debuts this season with Twardzik, McGeough and Fraser all playing in tonight’s SFA Youth Cup Final against Queen of the South at Hampden.
Winning the trophy would cap a fantastic season for the u-19’s but it’s promoting players into the top team that is the real motivation for the club’s entire Academy set up.
“It was great for everyone seeing Tony yesterday,” Kennedy admitted. “We found out before the match he’d be on the bench, seeing him come on and make a big impact was great.
“That’s what he can do in a match and hopefully it sets a trend for what’s to come in his senior career.
“We’re working with a good group of players, the manager has shown a lot of interest in them, he’s given a few debuts this season and that’s what our job is all about.
“Tony is another to add to the list of debuts this season and there’s more waiting in the wings desperate to get a chance in the first team.
“Hopefully there’ll be one or two more to get a chance before the end of the season.”
Queen of the South are the first non-SPL side that Celtic have played in this season’s tournament but Kennedy is full of respect for the side from Dumfries.
Last week they beat Dundee United 5-4 in extr-time at Tannadice to book their final place.
Kennedy added: “We’ve watched Queen of the South and they are a dangerous side going forward, they have some good players that can cause problems.
“They showed great character to come back from being 4-2 at Dundee United, when they got the third you could see the equaliser coming.
“They have a smaller squad than SPL clubs but they have a great spirit and belief in each other, they showed that in abundance against Dundee United and fully deserve their place in the final.”
Tonight’s match kick-off at 7.30pm and will be played to a finish.