Celtic’s double winning u-20 side show no signs of easing up as the season comes to an end.
Three days after beating Dunfermline at Hampden, and with five changes to the team, the young hoops ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Hearts with the scoreline flattering for the visitors.
Edinburgh rivals Hibs visit Firhill tonight, kick off 7pm, with John Kennedy looking for his side to round off the season in style.
“Sometimes once you’ve won a league or a cup things can drop, things can become slack but we were very professional against Hearts,” the coach stated.
“Bringing in some of the younger players paid off. A few of them have been waiting for their opportunity and they took it with both hands. The young boys were excellent as were the ones who’ve been playing week in week out.
“Everyone applied themselves well, the cup final took a lot out of everyone, the Hearts game came quickly but the energy levels were great.”
Looking at Liam Henderson, two scored either side of a strike from Patrik Twardzik, Kennedy added: “Liam is a very talented player, he’s someone that we have high hopes for.
“We are very strong in midfield at this level with Jackson Irvine, John Herron, Lewis Kidd, Jamie Lindsay all looking for places.
“Liam came in at the start of the season and hit a high very quickly. He’s mainly played for the u-17’s this season and that’s part of his development. He got his opportunity against Hearts and scored twice.
“He finished well for his two goals, he gave us great energy. He has an eye for a pass, he sees things quickly and I’m delighted by his display plus Connor McManus who came on and Paul McMullan showed up well.”
Henderson, whose dad Nicky played for Hamilton and Falkirk said: “I enjoyed that match, scoring twice was great. I like to play box to box and get a few goals. I’ve not scored as many as I’d like so it’s good to get a few for the u-20’s.
“I”m pleased with the way that the season has gone for me. The Glasgow Cup Final was a disappointment for us but we have to get over that and learn from the match.
“It was a good experience to play in front of a big crowd, I know that I have to keep on working hard to progress and be involved in games like that in future.”
