For Celtic fans from the 1990s there was a familiar name on the scoresheet in tonight’s 7-0 win away to Wiener Viktoria.
During the 1993 pre-season tour of Ireland Liam Brady was introduced to the Celtic squad, an Albanian who had sought political asylum following an international match in Paris.
Soon the red tape was cleared, Vata became a Celt, 29 years later he was watching his son Rocco scoring on his debut for the Celtic first team.
Coming on as a substitute at half-time the pacy winger winger timed his run on to a well weighted Liam Shaw pass, took two touches then sent an unstoppable shot past the keeper into the net- 7-0 Celtic.
Shaw took his time in possession and sent a ball over the top for Rocco Vata to run onto.
He kept himself onside and his composure, giving the ‘keeper the eyes and stroking the ball home!pic.twitter.com/67uwAJdSee https://t.co/walwRtYnce
— Football Report ?????? #BerhalterOut (@FootballReprt) July 6, 2022
The 17-year-old made his mark in last season’s Lowland League side, getting regular action against older and more street-wise opponents.
Over the remainder of this month he is likely to get a few more opportunities, tonight he put down his marker with attention now on him to see if he can make the elusive breakthrough from Academy to first team.
Celltic’s other goals tonight were scored by Johnny Kenny (2), Reo Hatate, Chris Jullien, Mikey Johnston and James Forrest.
