Youths get first crack at Barcelona
A fortnight ago the young hoops played well but lost 3-1 to AC Milan with the Italian side showing a clinical edge scoring from a free-kick and penalty despite Celtic enjoying large spells of possession.
Following two seasons of competing in the Next Gen Series UEFA have set up their own competition.
It could hardly have worked out any tougher than being drawn against Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax with coach John Kennedy looking forward to improving on the AC Milan result.
“This game is a massive challenge for us but there’s an excitement about the players and they are looking forward to playing Barcelona,” the hoops coach explained.
“There was a lot for us to take from the match in Milan but also a lot of areas we can improve on. We need to defend better and be more clinical in attack.
“Playing Barcelona at any level is a huge task but our players need to realise that they are not playing against Messi or Iniesta. They are playing boys the same age as they are, not someone with 200 La Liga games to their name.”
In April Celtic’s u-17 side finished runners up to Barcelona at a youth tournament in Moscow with the young hoops finishing above Spurs, Benfica and Dinamo Kiev to tie with Barca on points.
Paul McMullan was the tournament top scorer in Moscow with Kennedy looking for the striker to make an impression today.
“Paul did very well last season at u-17 level and has taken the step up to u-20 in his stride,” he coach added.
“He did very well for us in Milan and we’re looking for the same sort of performance against Barcelona.
“We have watched a dvd of Barcelona against Ajax and have a fair idea what to expect from them.
“It’s a great occasion for everyone involved and we’re looking for the boys to play well and do themselves justice.