Since the start of the season the only mentions of Rocco Vata have been transfer related.
With his contract expiring at the end of this season the 18-year-old has been linked with a move to a variety of Italian clubs including Inter Milan and Bologna. Not once has he made it onto the Celtic matchday squad, even as injuries hit deep into the first team squad.
Initially Vata was used as a winger in the Lowland League, using his pace and physique to power down the flanks while tucking away a healthy goal ratio.
This season the Irish u-21 internationalist has mainly played through the middle, scoring 10 times in the Lowland League with Celtic struggling in mid-table.
? Another appearance at Paradise and first senior competitive goal for Rocco Vata this afternoon!
Congratulations, Rocco ?#CELBUC | #ScottishCup | #COYBIG?
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) January 21, 2024
Out of nowhere Vata was named as a substitute today against Buckie Thistle, with Celtic leading 4-0 he came off the bench in the 64th minute to replace Kyogo Furuhashi.
Twelve minutes later the substitute was finding the net, making a well timed run into the six yard box to meet a cut-back from Mikey Johnston. The final goal in Celtic’s 5-0 victory.
No one knows what the future holds, if there is a future at Celtic but until Daizen Maeda and Oh Hyeon-gyu return from the Asian Cup it looks like Vata is Celtic’s second choice striker, back up to Kyogo.
Vata goal Rocco !