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From Day One- the long lasting impact that Ange imposed on Celtic

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Scott Robertson is taking inspiration from Adam Montgomery as he looks to make the big break through at Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou has brought a brand new approach to the club with the door open to younger players that catch his eye.

Robertson was in from the start in the dead-rubber away to Cluj in December 2019 but never featured in another competitive match under Neil Lennon with last season spent on loan at Gillingham and Doncaster.

Montgomery hasn’t started a competitive match this season but his seven appearances off the bench include the recent fixtures at Alkmaar and Ibrox.

Robertson is back out on loan at Crewe this season but takes encouragement from 190year-old Montgomery as he chases the dream of nailing down a first team place at Celtic.

Speaking to the Daily Record, the midfielder said:

From the first day the new manager arrived, he told us all that no matter what your age is, if you are good enough then you will play for him. It was great to hear him say that. He said we would get opportunities and I think he’s shown that already with Adam’s promotion into the first team that he’s true to his word.

I wasn’t surprised to see Adam being thrown in at the deep-end so soon, nobody at Celtic was. The manager has shown he has faith in him and for a young player that is huge.

He’s shown by his performances so far this season that he’s been up to the job and it’s been an inspiration to the younger boys who see what can happen. It also shows the manager is someone who is prepared to look at the academy and give youngsters an opportunity. The big moment for Adam came when he was played in Europe against Midtjylland as a sub and he showed his temperament was strong enough to cope. Then he was excellent against AZ Alkmaar, he slotted right in and didn’t look out of place at all.

From day one the manager has been able to get his messages across very quickly, the points he wanted to make are well understood. He wants us to play football the right way, it’s about keeping the ball and pressing high up the pitch.

He wants to get the midfield players on the ball and for me that’s been great as it’s one of my strengths to get on the ball and pass it. From my point of view it has been brilliant. He doesn’t like it when you take too many touches and end up having to go back the way. He wants you to get your head up as soon as possible and pass the ball through the lines.

At the final whistle in Alkmaar the Celtic defence included Montgomery, Stephen Welsh and Tony Ralston who all came through the ranks, one way or another.

With a frantic transfer window now closed Postecoglou can take a broader view of the club and plan ways to develop Robertson and others into genuine first team prospects.

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