Celtic’s youth side return to domestic business tomorrow night when they face Dundee United at Firhill, kick-off 7pm admission free.
The young hoops lost 2-1 to Sporting Lisbon last Thursday in the Next Gen Series but have a 100% domestic record with wins over St Mirren, Motherwell and Hamilton Accies.
Hibs and Inverness Caley Thistle as well as Celtic and Dundee United are all locked at the top of the table on nine points with youth coach John Kennedy looking forward to a top-of-the-table clash.
“A few teams have got off to a good start and Dundee United are one of them,” Kennedy stated.
“Our scouts have given us good reports on Dundee United and we know most of their players. They have improved on last season with experience and kicked on as a team.
“They scored a few goals last week in the win over Dundee which will give them confidence, there’s a few internationalists in their side which illustrates the quality they have.
“We’ll have a strong team as well, a few lads are away on Scotland u-17 duty so there’ll be a few from the Next Gen side in contention tomorrow night.
“This is an important match for us, we have to concentrate on Dundee United, next week’s game at Aston Villa will take care of itself.”
Bahrudin Atajic has scored in all three u-20 matches this season but missed out against Sporting with only three players over 19 allowed to play.
The Bosnian youngster has shown a new lease of life this season, playing in midfield or attack, with Kennedy delighted with the impact he’s had.
“Bahrudin has been excellent,” the Celtic coach added. “Last season he didn’t feature as much as he wanted but he’s been a revelation this season.
“His form has been fantastic and he’s scored a few goals into the bargain. His fitness and work rate seems to have stepped up a gear and we’re all delighted with him.
“Whatever role you ask him to play he gives it everything. He’s got good ability, a good first touch with awareness and vision. We want him to carry that on and to keep on working hard on his game.”
Celtic have adapted quickly to their home from home at Firhill with Kennedy a fan of the new look youth set-up.
He added: “I like the night-time kick-off’s and having a crowd at the matches adds to the atmosphere.
“We get all day for our build up rather than an 8 am breakfast, it makes everything very professional.
“We’re playing at stadiums now rather than training grounds and the players are all responding well.”