John Herron is looking to follow former class-mate Tony Watt into Neil Lennon’s first team plans.
The Coatbridge duo attended school together and after giving teachers some tough times Herron would love to be creating the sort of havoc Watt is inflicting on SPL defences.
The midfielder made a brief first team appearance against Ross County in December and is a regular in the Scotland u-19 side- earning rave reviews following a recent international against Holland.
Last week he captained Celtic’s u-20 side against Dunfermline and notched a hat-trick against Ross County but acknowledges that he must do more to force his way into Neil Lennon’s plans.
“Other than the game against Ross County I feel that I have been playing well recently and improving,” he stated despite his hat-trick. “But I need to keep pushing in training and matches to show the gaffer that I deserve a chance.
“In training I’m with the first team and development squad and been on the bench a few times for the first team.
“Every time you train or play in a match you have to show that you are eager, get on the ball and make things happen.”
Herron was on the bench when Celtic met Barcelona in November and looked on in admiration as his former school pal made his name known all over the world.
“Tony is still a bit crazy but has his feet on the ground and is doing very well,” Herron added. “He’s taking every chance he can to show the gaffer what he can do.
“When we were younger we were at school together, getting into bother and sitting in the naughty seats in maths!
“We’ve known each other a long time but he started his football career later than me. Fair play to him, he’s doing well and everyone is pleased for him.
“I was delighted for Tony when he scored against Barcelona, his attributes are his power and pace as well as his finishing. I knew when he got in that situation no-one would catch him and he took his chance brilliantly.
“Tony has did what we all want to do, he was in the youth set up for a year and moved up, that’s everyone’s aim..”
Celtic’s u-20 side are in action tonight against Dundee United at Tannadice, kick-off 7pm.
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