When Scotland’s u-17 squad qualified for the finals of the European Championships it was no surprise that a five strong Celtic contingent formed the backbone of the side.
Jack Aitchison needs little introduction with two top team appearances and one goal to his name he has already been marked out as one for the future.
During six qualifying ties Scotland lost just one goal, unusually Celtic supplied three of the back four with Stephen Welsh and Robbie Deas in central defence with Dan Church at left back.
Welsh and Church were regulars in the Celtic u-17 side that won the title and Glasgow Cup last season and have been in the squad for a few Development League matches this term while Deas has stepped up from u-16’s to the u-17’s with ease.
Linking the defence and attack for club and country this season has been Kerr McInroy, week by week his performances have become more influential.
Before Scotland’s victories over Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland he scored a hat-trick against Ayr United, yesterday on his return from international duty he equalised against Hearts before Celtic went on to win 4-1.
McInroy joined Celtic as a 13-year-old in 2013 from the brilliantly named Blue Brazil Boys Club in Cowdenbeath, since then he has made rapid progress to force his way into the Development League squad in the competitive midfield area.
Last season while eligible to play u-16 he played his way into the u-17 side and excelled in the 4-0 Glasgow Cup Final win at Ibrox.
U17s | Portugal 0-1 Scotland
Kerr McInroy’s late strike ensured the victory in Scotland’s final match of the Qualifying Round last night. pic.twitter.com/qApnr9QKX9— Scotland (@ScottishFA) 22 September 2016
This season his progress has been just as visible, not many Scotland players can claim to have scored a winner against Portugal- McInroy did that in September as Scotland topped their group rather than settle for a runners up place.
The 16-year-old has been involved in first team training sessions recently, these things don’t happen by accident with Brendan Rodgers and his associates watching every movement at every level.
With an appetite to lean, great fitness and an eye for goal there is plenty to his game to impress the coaching staff.
“What a terrific strike!” It’s 3-0 Scotland #SCO17s https://t.co/X4WTvMRnP0
— Scotland (@ScottishFA) 17 March 2017
The next 18 months in his development will be crucial, net season he looks likely to be a regular in the Development League and hopefully enjoying a batch of matches in the UEFA Youth League which mirrors the Champions League.
Before then he has the final of the Glasgow Cup to look forward to and the u-19 finals of the European Championships in Croatia.
A few notable Celts have arrived from Fife down the years, including the current skipper, with a decent run of the breaks McInroy may soon be following in famous footsteps.