Rocco Vata and Liam Bonetig are in the Celtic side to play West Ham tonight in the Premier League International Cup.
After scoring twice for Ireland’s u-21 side in midweek some fans were hoping that the teenager would be involved in the first team match against Dundee tomorrow.
Vata made four substitute appearances last season but a contract stand off appears to have brought his progress to a halt. On Tuesday a similar squad will play Feyenoord in the UEFA Youth League.
? #PLIC Team News! ???
Here is how the Bhoys line-up for their opening Premier League International Cup clash ?#WHUCEL | #COYBIG? pic.twitter.com/BTtvhlwi6N
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) September 15, 2023
Bonetig played in a couple of friendly matches in pre-season as a trialist with his three year contract announced yesterday.
It is quite a step up from Western Sydney Wanderers to facing West Ham on your official debut with the London side well known for their development of young talent going back generations.
Celtic will also face Southampton, Brighton and Chelsea in the competition, CLICK HERE for details of the competition.
Dinamo Zagreb, Valencia and Lyon are also in the group with the EPL clubs playing each of the international clubs,
Update…
28′ – Goal West Ham. Marshall scores a third just before the half hour mark
?3?-0??#WHUCEL | #PLIC | #COYBIG?
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) September 15, 2023
Vata should be in the senior squad and getting game time against Dundee tomorrow. How many more of these talented youngster do we need to lose before the penny drops? We have enough decent prospects and project players on our books already, without wasting our scouting team’s time and millions of pounds on other people’s, who are usually no better anyway.