Celtic’s u-16 squad are in action this weekend in Liverpool against some of the biggest names in the game.
The top clubs in England and the continent have been invited to the event with the links between Celtic and Liverpool ensuring a place at the top table for Scotland’s leading club.
Experience against different styles of football is an invaluable part of every players education with Celtic coach Michael O’Halloran looking forward to a busy weekend.
“This will be a busy weekend, when you are in the company of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Benfica, Schalke and sides like that it’s certain to be beneficial,” he said.
“It’s staged at Liverpool’s Academy with four groups of four. There are two games on Friday, two on Saturday then the final knock out stage on Sunday.
“It’ll be a busy weekend for everyone and a great experience. It’s good to challenge and assess yourself against English and continental teams.”
On Wednesday night Celtic’s u-17 side won 3-0 away to Queens Park in the Glasgow Cup thanks to a double from Ciaran Diver and a goal from Michael Johnston.
Diver is back with the u-16 squad for the Liverpool tournament with O’Halloran delighted with his double strike against the spiders.
“Ciaran Diver is a natural goalscorer, he’ll have games where he looks like he’ll never find the back of the net, but he always has a goal in him and is always looking to get on the ball,” the Celtic coach said.
“In the second half against Queens Park we changed a bit towards a 4 4 2, they were short of a man and having two up front allowed us to make more of the ball.
“Michael Johnston took his goal well and has to recognise when to move the ball and when to keep it. He is great on the ball and will cause the opposition problems, Ross McLaughlin is similar.
“Those two have got fantastic ability but they need to recognise the right time to move the ball, I don’t think that they’ve quite got that yet but they are developing well at this level.”
CELTIC FIXTURES: Today v Newcastle 2.30pm, Saturday v West Brom 9.30am, v Arsenal 11am.
How did things finish up Joe, I know we beat Newcastle 2-0. Drew 0-0 v Arsenal and lost 2-3 to WBA. Playing off v Liverpool ? for 5th place I think.
Great experience for the lads
That was all the results, Reading beat Arsenal on penalties to reach the final which they lost to Fulham. A Celtic fan at the matches picked out Daniel Church playing in midfield as our best player.