Michael O’Halloran was satisfied with Celtic’s start to the u-17 Loch Lomond Festival.
A 2-2 draw with Sheffield United last night was followed by a 4-0 win over the Fife Elite Academy this morning meaning that a draw tomorrow against Partick Thistle will give the hoops a place in the final.
The event at Stirling University sets the squad up for the season ahead with the players sharp and prepared after a training stint in Austria followed by some pre-season friendlies.
“I wasn’t happy with the slow start that we made against Sheffield United but there was an improvement in the match against Fife,” O’Halloran said. “We were tighter in the second match, created a number of chances and ran out deserved winners.
“The comeback against Sheffield United was good to see, in the end we should have won the match but had to settle for a draw.
“Getting a goal back just before half-time was perfect, we took that into the second half and the players showed the desire to get something from the match.
“The performance against Fife was pleasing. We converted our chances and the whole squad got a run out which keeps everyone fresh for tomorrow.”
Among the changes for the win over the Fife Academy was the introduction of 15-year-old Ewan Henderson.
Anyone looking in on the match wouldn’t have needed a team-sheet to recognise the similarities between Ewan and big brother Liam.
Playing in one of the holding midfield positions Ewan was never rushed while in possession and showed a willingness to push forward as well as spraying passes into the wide areas.
“The similarities between Ewan and Liam are obvious,” O’Halloran admitted. “I always like to look on players as individuals and that’s the way that we are treating Ewan.
“As soon as people see him they know who he is related to but he handles that well and is developing in his own way.
“He is a 15-year-old playing in the u-17 side and doing well. He fitted well into the side today and took his goal well, it was pleasing to keep the tempo going in the second half after making a number of changes.”
CELTIC v Sheffield United: Aidan McAdams; Sean Bowers, Robbie Deas, Wallace Duffy, Daniel Church; Lewis Bell, Ross McLaughlin; Kenny Mearns (Kieran Divers 31), Michael Johnston, Broque Watson; Jack Aitchison
SCORERS: Watson, McLauglin
CELTIC v Fife Elite Academy : Alex Crean; Stephen Welsh, Wallace Duffy, Robbie Deas, Dan Church; Lewis Bell, Ross McLaughlin; Dan McAllister, Michael Johnston, Broque Watson; Ciaran Diver
SCORERS: McAllister 2, Diver, Henderson