Atajic hat-trick kills off Dundee United

A hat-trick from Bahrudin Atajic set Celtic up for a 3-2 win over Dundee United to maintain their 100% record in the youth league.

The visitors came into the match on the back of a 5-1 win over neighbours Dundee but after going behind never really threatened to take anything from the match despite scoring two late goals.

Atajic was missing from last week’s Next Gen Series defeat from Sporting Lisbon due to the three over-age player rule but looks likely to start against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

There was a more experienced look to the Celtic side with several players on Scotland u-17 duty and the team selected with an eye on the Next Gen Series.

Jackson Irvine replaced the suspended Stuart Findlay in defence with Paul Slane making his first appearance of the season for the u-20 side.

After a stale opening 20 minutes Celtic started to exert themselves on the visitors with Atajic heading wide from a Joe Chalmers cross.

The breakthrough was only delayed with Atajic continuing his impressive early season form driving a 15 yard shot into the net from a Lewis Kidd pass.

In the 34th minute Celtic doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Callum McGregor was barged off the ball. Atajic stepped up and rattled his shot of the underside of the bar with the ball bouncing on the line before hitting the back of the Dundee United keeper and rolling into the net.

The swirling wind and rain made conditions difficult after the break but in the 57th minute Atajic completed his hat-trick when he directed his header back across the United keeper following a deep cross from Fraser.

Eleven minutes from the end Dundee United scored a consolation from the penalty spot then scored a second in the final minute with a spectacular 25 yard volley past Robbie Thomson.

The final scoreline flattered the visitors but acted as a warning to Celtic that it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.

CELTIC: Thomson: Fisher, Fraser, Irvine, Chalmers: Slane, Lindsay, Kidd (Herron 62), McGregor, P Twardzik (Johnstone 31): Atajic (Kirwan 89)

SUBS: Daniels, Eaddie, McNally