Rocco Vata was on the scoresheet again tonight as Ireland’s u-17 side beat North Macedonia 2-0 in a European Championship qualifier.
The young Celtic winger scored the final goal in Thursday’s 5-0 win over Andorra and was on target tonight after 31 minutes. With 10 minutes left to play he was substituted to give him a breather before facing Poland on Wednesday, Mark O’Mahoney was the other goalscorer.
With two wins from their opening group fixtures the Irish side are through to the Elite stage of the competition ahead of Wednesday’s final group match against Poland. The Elite stage will be held in the spring with the best 16 teams going through to the finals in Israel to be held in May.
LINE-UP | Colin O’Brien’s MU17s are underway in Turner’s Cross against North Macedonia ????
They’re looking to take a step closer to qualification for the Elite Round ??#IRLU17 | #COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/YeS9TCuj8C
— FAIreland ???? (@FAIreland) October 10, 2021
Rocco Vata puts #IRLU17 ahead 1-0 ??
— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@RepTracker) October 10, 2021
With an Albanian Dad and Scottish Mum, Rocco has opted to play his international football for his gran’s country, being involved with Ireland since u-15 level.
Playing as a very fast and direct right winger Rocco has impressed for Celtic’s B team in the Lowland League, more than holding his own against opponents who have been round the block a few times.
Crikey the Irish team are in danger of having a decent outfit in years to come…Vata looks like a future superstar!!