Jack Aitchison put in a double shift yesterday- playing for the Celtic Development side in the afternoon and the u-17 team at night.
After a 20 minute substitute appearance against Dundee United through at St Andrews the young striker was on his way back to Lennoxtown where he scored twice in the 3-1 win over Ayr United.
Aitchison, who is only 15-years-old, caught the eye in the UEFA Youth Cup tie against Valencia and tucked away his goals against Ayr with the composure of a veteran. Presented with one-on-one chances against the Ayr keeper he never flinched or panicked sticking the ball into the net both times
After their visit to the Al Kass International Cup in Qatar it was back to reality for the Celtic u-17 side as they lined up at Lennoxtown in rain that ranged from steady to torrential.
Ayr matched Celtic in the opening exchanges but were given a warning in the ninth minute when Aitchison shot against the post from 15 yards out after Shaun Bowers had cut the ball back.
Two minutes later Aitchison opened the scoring taking a pass from Kerr McInroy in his stride then drilling a low shot past the keeper into the net.
Celtic had the bulk of possession but found themselves back on level terms ten minutes from the break when Ayr equalised from the penalty spot.
Early in the second half Celtic should have been back in front following a good passing movement down the left by Euan Henderson didn’t get the right connection on his shot which the keeper managed to save.
Just before the hour mark Celtic were back in front. Henderson threaded a great ball through to Aitchison 35 yards from goal with the striker quickly onto the pass and giving the keeper no chance with another low finish.
As the rain teamed down Michael Johnston put the result beyond Ayr when he dinked home a free-kick from 25 yards out.
CELTIC: McAdams; Bowers (McKendry 89) Welsh, Duffy, Church; Campbell, Henderson (Deas 70), McInroy, Antonazzi (Barr 55); Johnston, Aitchison
League scorers so far (13 matches): Johnston 13, Aitchison 10, McLaughlin 4, Bell 3, Watson 2, McAllister 2, Antonazzi 1, Payne 1, Campbell 2, McInroy, Thorburn, Diver.
Glasgow Cup (4 matches): Johnston 5, Aitchison 5, Diver 1, Antonazzi 1, Campbell 1.
