Young Celt Vata gets the call up

Rocco Vata has been called up to the Ireland u-18 squad for some warm weather training and two friendly matches with Sweden in Marbella this week.

The 16-year-old made a big impact last month with the u-17 squad with two goals as they topped their European Championship group ahead of Androra, North Macedonia and Poland.

Vata can play on the right-wing or through the centre, despite his age the physical demands of the Lowland League have been embraced with Tommy McIntyre’s side up against more experienced opponents in every match.

Since the October internationals Vata has been in action against Cumbernauld Colts and Berwick Rangers but will miss this week’s matches against Spartans (Tuesday) and BSC (Saturday) due to his international call up.

Until a player appears in a competitive international he is able to switch country with Vata also eligible to play for Scotland and Albania. Ireland are very aware of this rule after developing Declan Rice and Jack Grealish through their youth age groups before they opted to play for England.

CLICK HERE for details of internationals in Marbella.