Eoghan O’Connell returned to action after a four month absence helping Celtic’s Development side to a 4-1 win over Hamilton Accies.
The 20-year-old defender went on loan to Oldham Athletic at the end of August but after just two appearances in League One returned to Celtic for treatment on a combination of thigh and ankle problems.
O’Connell was impressive in his only Celtic appearance of the season, away to Dundee United in August, with his return to fitness giving Ronny Deila additional options in the centre of defence.
This afternoon’s win over Hamilton gives Celtic a three point lead over the Lanarkshire side at the top of the Development League with Tommy McIntyre’s side having played three games less.
Aidan Nesbitt scored twice in the match which was played at Broadwood with Gary Mackay-Steven and Sam Wardrop the other scorers. Logan Bailly, Tyler Blackett and Scot Allan all started the match.
Hamilton are the only team to have taken points off Celtic in the Development League, in a 1-1 draw at New Douglas Park earlier in the season, but were no match for McIntyre’s side.
Nesbitt opened the scoring midway through the first half and put Celtic back in front just before half time after Ben Reilly had equalised.
Goals from Mackay-Steven in the 50th minute and Wardrop on the hour secured the points as Celtic took their points tally to 37 from 13 matches.
On Friday Celtic host Inverness Caley Thistle at Cappielow with a 1pm kick off before travelling to meet Dundee on Monday January 11(3pm kick off at Links Park Montrose) and then the SFA Youth Cup tie away to St Johnstone on Thursday January 14 ( 2pm kick off at Station Park Forfar).
I was surprised we put so many overage players into the side given McIntyre’s recent comments about the players gaining more from playing against older opponents. Obviously both sides wanted to win with Hamilton also fielding a strong side. All 4 goals coming from loose balls inside the 6 yard area, hoped we would go and score more goals but instead fell out of the game which was surprising.
Can’t say I was overly impressed by any of the defensive formations used but greatly impressed by the midfield. Good result & a very good attendance too.
Get Eoghan back into the first team ASAP!
Good enough reader of the game but his lack of pace when he misses the interception will be a major problem. A bit like Ambrose without the pace. IMHO he won’t make it at Celtic, maybe another SPFL side might take him on but I doubt it.