Patrick Roberts got 57 minutes of action under his belt tonight as Celtic beat Partick Thistle 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Jack Aitchison in the Development League at Cappielow.
The on loan Manchester City winger suffered a serious hamstring injury against Motherwell at the end of November but looks on course to play a part in the run in to the season.
There were a few twists and turns during his appearance but it looks like he’ll need at least another game before he can be considered for a place in the first team squad.
With Scotland in u-19 action next week there are no Development League fixtures although a closed doors friendly could be arranged to give Roberts additional match time.
For the bulk of the first half Thistle had the bulk of possession but rarely managed to test Ryan Mullen in the Celtic goal.
As the half developed the hoops came more into the game with Roberts switching over to the left with Tom Caffrey moving to the right.
Aitchison had a couple of pops at goal before he slid a pass through to Caffrey but his shot slid the wrong side of the post.
Three minutes before the interval Wallace Duffy cracked a shot against the junction of the post and bar with Kerr McInroy shooting over soon after as Celtic finished the half on top.
Celtic dominated the entire second half with Aitchison and Ewan Henderson driving at the Thistle defence without creating many clear cut chances until the 89th minute.
A run down the left from Daniel Church was met perfectly at the front post by Aitchison who squeezed his shot over the line to give Celtic three well deserved points.
CELTIC: Mullen; Duffy, Welsh, Deas, Church, Bell, McInroy, Henderson; Roberts (Savoury 57), Aitchison, Caffrey (Watson 50)
SUBS: Willison, Diver, Campbell, Potter.