Tommy McIntyre was pleased with how his Academy bhoys fared against Vale of Clyde in a testimonial for James ‘Banjo’ McKinstry.
Although the hoops ran out 6-0 winners the home side carved out enough chances to test goalkeeper Alex Crean in the Celtic goal.
Celtic’s superior pace and fitness had a telling impact with Broque Watson and Michael Johnston scoring doubles as well as strikes from Wallace Duffy and Jack Aitchison.
McIntyre’s squad enjoyed the facilities of a ten day training camp in Austria with Fullarton Park, Tollcross providing a different challenge for the u-17 squad.
“The match was a good test and interesting for a team of teens to play against grown men,” the Celtic coach said.
“We created a lot of chances and scored a few goals but we gave away a few openings and that’s something we’ll have to work on.
“It took us a few minutes to find our feet but then we got upto speed and started to play the way that we can. We work hard on breaking fast and like to play with a lot of pace.
“I was pleased with the goals that we scored they were shared around the side and that helps everyone’s confidence.
“Next weekend we’ve got the Loch Lomond tournament at Stirling University which will be another good experience, we’ll be playing against Partick Thistle, Sheffield United and the Fife Elite Academy.
“We enjoyed the game against Vale of Clyde, it was a good turnout for James McKinstry and our young players will have benefited from the match.”
CELTIC: Alex Crean; Sean Bowers, Ciaran McKenna, Wallace Duffy, Daniel Church; Lewis Bell, Ross McLaughlin; Tony Ralston, Michael Johnston, Broque Watson; Jack Aitchison
SUBS: Aidan McAdams, Dan McAllister, Kenny Mearns, Kieran Divers, Robbie Deas, Grant Thorburn