Celtic U20’s v Dundee United at Livingston tonight

Celtic’s u-20 side open the competitive season against Dundee United at Livingston tonight, kick off 7pm, entry free

The young hoops have won the double for the last four years running but setting out on in search of five doesn’t put any extra pressure on coach John Kennedy.

As a defender he played in a Celtic reserve side that won eight titles in a row before the SPL decided to abandon that level of football.

Pulling on a Celtic jersey brings pressure at any level- whether it’s against Barcelona or Forfar Athletic- with Kennedy’s players well aware of the expectations at their club.

“Myself and Stevie Frail have been at this club long enough to know what is expected here,” he said. “It’s the same with the players.

“We are expected to win and be successful. We’ve achieved that and that will be the aim again this season, it always is. Alongside that we have to produce players ready for the first team and support the first team at every opportunity.

“A few of the development squad players have been with the first team this season which means that we’ve been working with a younger group of players.

“Some of the older players will be with the first team in Sweden and we’ll have a few of them back with us to face Dundee United.

“We’ve had a good pre-season, faced different types of teams and now we’re looking forward to the competitive action.

“Dundee United always have good players at this level and were in contention for a while last season.

“We’re looking forward to the match, the facilities at Livingston are first class. The pitch is top notch, the stadium is modern and has everything that we’re looking for.

“The boys have worked hard in training since the East Fife match last week and are looking to start the new season with a good performance and a win.”