Celtic’s u-17 side hit the goal trail on Sunday with an 8-2 win away to Ayr United.
Ross McLaughlin led the way with a hat-trick from midfield with doubles coming from Jack Aitchison and Michael Johnston with Brandon Payne also on target.
The young hoops had started the season with six clean sheets with the loss of two goals more than compensated for with the goal-rush at the other end of the park.
McLaughlin had made a big impact as a substitute in the 2-0 win against Aberdeen the previous week and continued that form playing in the centre of the attacking midfield trio.
“Ross has got good attacking skills and he demonstrated that on Sunday,” coach Michael O’Halloran explained. “He’s had a few injury setbacks this season but came in against Ayr and made a big impression.
“We moved Michael Johnston onto the left, any team is going to struggle when those two are on form and pushing forward.
“In their previous match Ayr beat Kilmarnock, their first team are top of the league and their development side are going strongly. That sends confidence throughout the club and we knew we were going to get a good test.
“It’s disappointing when a run of clean sheets comes to an end but there was plenty to enjoy and take from the game.
“It was quite tight through the first half but after the break we got into our stride and putting the ball in the net gives everyone confidence.”
CELTIC: Conor Hazard; Stevie Welsh, Wallace Duffy, Lewis Bell, Dan Church; Brandon Payne, Kerr McInroy; Broque Watson, Ross McLaughlin, Michael Johnston; Jack Aitchison
SUBS: Josh Rae, Keiran Campbell, Grant Thorburn, Dan McAllister
