Rocco Vata scored twice last night as Ireland’s u-21 side beat San Marino 3-0 in Cork.
It was the first time that the 18-year-old has played at that level but he stepped up with ease, continuing the scoring form that he has shown with the Celtic B side.
Vata’s pace saw him used as a winger but this season he has been playing as a striker while a question mark remains over his Celtic career with his contract expiring at the end of this season.
A number of continental sides have been credited with an interest with reports of offers being rejected by Celtic on Deadline Day.
Vata appears to be unaffected by the contract situation and recently went on a four match scoring run despite Celtic’s struggles in the Lowland League.
After winning their opening match 3-2 at home to Turkey Vata got last night’s match off to a good start with a goal in the eighth minute then scored his second just before half-time. A second half own goal completed the scoring.
Rocco Vata X2 ??
Another fine finish from the teenager! ? (2-0) #IRLU21 | #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ???? (@IrelandFootball) September 12, 2023
Ireland are top of Group A with Norway with six points from two matches, two points ahead of Italy and Latvia, next up for Jim Crawford’s side are away matches against Latvia and Norway.
Back on club duty Vata will be in the Celtic side that takes on West Ham on Friday night at Dagenham in the Premier League Cup, on Tuesday it is on to the UEFA Youth League and a clash with Feyenoord.