Rocco Vata scored a 30 minute hat-trick as Ireland’s u-21 side beat San Marino 7-0 in a European Championship qualifier.
Former Celt Armstrong Okoflex, now of FC Zurich also scored with Bosun Lawal strolling through the match in midfield.
Obviously San Marino aren’t the strongest of international sides but scoring a hat-trick in the heart of Italy is bound to have been picked up by some of the Serie A clubs that have been linked with Vata this season.
“Mama Mia, Rocco Vata”?
Enjoy Rocco’s hat-trick as much as the Italian commentators ?
A great night for our Under-21s ??#IRLU21 | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/jBXojcxV8J
— Ireland Football ???? (@IrelandFootball) March 22, 2024
A month short of his 19th birthday, Vata is in an awkward situation as his three year Celtic contract expires in the summer.
During the first half of the season he wasn’t involved in the Celtic first team squad, a January transfer was anticipated but international call ups opened the door with the teenager coming off the bench to score against Buckie Thistle.
There has been three brief substitute appearances since then, Brendan Rodgers has spoken encouragingly of Vata but a big decision is looming at the end of the season.
Under Ange Postecoglou Vata made a few brief first team appearances on the wing but he has evolved more towards playing as a striker with two of the goals against San Marino showing the penalty box instincts that are almost impossible to coach into players.
Is it to risky to play vata in a league game Rodgers can’t include vata in his plans if he isn’t sure he has signed contract and let the manager know he wants pledge his alligence to Celtic for years to come Rodgers has got good forwards if he wants to be part of Celtic sign contract
Rocco’s 2nd just oozes class and his other two, I agree Joe, show strikers’ instincts and positioning. Let Brendan decide and get the fat slug tae fukk, he’s done more than enough damage already. Fat twat!