Celtic’s u-20 side had a more youthful appearance about it as they beat Dunfermline 2-1 on Monday night.
With the first team playing Juventus 24 hours later there were no overage players in the side that faced the Pars with regulars Bahrudin Atajic and Darnell Fisher both missing through injury.
Despite going a goal behind to a Blair Henderson penalty Celtic struck back quickly with Denny Johnstone heading the equaliser and Patrik Twardzik nodding the winner 15 minutes from the end.
A four match winning run has taken Celtic seven points clear at the top of the table with John Kennedy pleased with the way the team tackled the trip to Fife.
“The performance level was upped which was pleasing,” he stated. “Although we won the previous three matches we didn’t play particularly well.
“We dominated most of the game at Dunfermline. There wasn’t too many chances but we always looked comfortable, even at 1-1 I thought the goal was going to come. There was a lot of good play and good performances.”
Although he wasn’t on the scoresheet Paul George made a telling contribution to the match in which he captained the side.
Ten months after suffering a broken leg playing against Rangers the Irish u-19 cap is slowly getting back towards his best with a great jinking run and cross setting up Patrik Twardzik for a header at the back post which won the points.
Kennedy added: “Paul has great ability, we see it day in and day out in training but we want more of a cutting edge, he needs to get the final delivery and he showed that with the cross for Patrik’s goal.
“Paul has great feet and good close control. We just want more from him to finish off a move, he did that at Dunfermline with the goal.
“In the first half he looked dangerous then in the second half he came up with the cross for Patrik to head in.
“We’re delighted because he’s still in his recovery period from a horrendous injury. He’s played a few games now but the injury is still at the back of his mind. But he’s progressing well and he needs to keep that up.”
Celtic face Ross County tomorrow at Firhill, kick-off 3pm, then meet Dundee United at Tannadice with a 7pm kick-off.
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well done the young ghuns
Celtic face Ross County tomorrow at Firhill, kick-off 3pm, then meet Dundee United at Tannadice with a 7pm kick-off.
That’ll get them fit for sure 2 games on the same day LOL
Dundee Utd are our nearest challengers so would be great to extend the winning run. Delighted to hear that Paul George is getting back into his stride again, an exceptional talent.