Celtic Youths win in Europe

CELTIC secured their first trophy of the season on Saturday when an Under-18s side led by Willie McStay won the Coppa Arcobaleno at Manerba on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy.
A goal by Irish midfielder Graham Carey was enough to secure a 1-0 final win over a Sampdoria squad coached by former Juventus and Crystal Palace winger Atillio Lombardo.
Things had looked bleak earlier in the week when the young Celts lost their first match in the group stages 2-1 to Sampdoria, being robbed of a perfectly good equaliser by a poor refereeing decision.
But the young Bhoys hit back by beating Verona 3-0, then a Paul McGowan goal secured a 1-1 draw with Brescia to put the Celts through to Friday's semi-final.
Against Sturm Graz of Austria, Celtic turned on the style to win 3-0, with goals coming from McGowan, Mark Miller and the big Canadian midfielder Jacob Lensky.
Then the following day the Hoops got revenge for that earlier loss by beating the tough-tackling Italians in the final to clinch the prestigious tournament.
Among those in the squad were keepers Paul Skinner and Scott Fox, full backs Paul Caddis, Jason Marr, Dean Richardson and Danny Lafferty, central defenders Ryan McCafferty, Mark Staunton and Paul Hutchinson, midfielders Sean Anderson, Ross Hepburn, Paul Cahillane, Graham Carey and Jacob Lensky plus forwards Mark Miller, Paul McGowan and John McGeoch (my apologies if I've missed out a couple of players.
This victory could prove highly significant for Celtic's youth policy, as it will raise their profile on the continent as well as giving so many young players a taste for winning trophies.
Meanwhile, several members of the Under-19 squad stayed at home to draw 0-0 with a very strong Rangers reserves team last week.
And the remaining Celtic Under-17s were still strong enough to secure a 2-0 away win at Kilmarnock, with Kevin Cawley again on the scoresheet.
With Simon Ferry making the bench for the first team yesterday and Charlie Mulgrew scoring twice for Dundee United while on loan, things are starting to fall into place for the entire strategy laid out by Tommy Burns and enthusiastically adopted by Gordon Strachan.
I predict our triumphant teenagers will get to parade their trophy at Celtic Park in a fortnight.
Before then, the Celtic Under-19s face St Mirren at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie on Friday night (Kick-off 7pm) in the quarter-final of the BP Youth Cup - a repeat of last season's final.
Make no mistake, several of those you will see on the pitch on Friday will soon be turning out at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 fans.
So get along and give the Bhoys a cheer!

Rangers Reserves 0, Celtic Reserves 0

CELTIC fans amused themselves with some mischievous bouts of Schadenfreude yesterday as their young reserves more than held their own against a Rangers team packed with players who, at various stages this season, have been considered first-choice players for the Ibrox outfit.
But while the displays of Kris Boyd, Olivier Bernard and Brahim Hemdani can only have added to the woes of the watching Alex McLeish, his Old Firm counterpart Gordon Strachan will surely have been cheered by the performances of David Marshall, Scott Cuthbert, Simon Ferry and Jim O'Brien.
The fact that the Ibrox side's keeper Stefan Klos was booked for time-wasting near the end of this encounter certainly highlights the superiority which the young Bhoys enjoyed in the latter stages of this match.
The tide of possession was fairly inexorable towards the German's goal from as early as the 20th minute, when Rangers were reduced to 10 men with the expulsion of hapless left back Olivier Bernard.
Yet even at that early stage it was clear the up-and-coming Celts would take more from the afternoon's contest than their over-the-hill and clearly demotivated opponents.
Celtic had started with Marshall in goal behind a back four of Gary Irvine, Cuthbert, Adam Virgo and Darren O'Dea.
Michael McGlinchey started on the right of a four-man midfield, with Paul Lawson and Stephen Pearson taking the central berths and Ross Wallace on the left. Up front were teenagers Rocco Quinn and Nicky Riley.
Against this young, confident and energetic line-up, Rangers fielded a clearly cheesed-off Klos behind a back four of Alan Lowing, Julien Rodriguez, Stephen Campbell and Bernard.
Hamed Namouchi played on the right of midfield, with Hemdani and Gavin Rae in the centre and Derek Carcary on the left. Up front were the SPL's leading goalscorer Boyd and the out-of-favour Spaniard Nacho Novo.
The pitch at freezing, windswept Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld was heavy to begin with and quickly began to cut up, rendering it unprofitable to attempt too much intricate passing through midfield.
Yet the young Celts began with a slick move, the ball being swiftly shuttled from Lawson to Riley to McGlinchey, who cut in behind Bernard to blast a shot into the side netting.
Kris Boyd, the scoring "sensation" so recently dubbed the new Ally McCoist by a fawning media, then missed a sitter to add strength to the growing suspicion that he is the latest in a long line of Rangers flops.
It came courtesy of a Novo cutback which found the former Kilmarnock forward on his own six yards out. Marshall could barely suppress a smirk as he saw the ball miskicked past his left-hand post.
The match, which had been evenly contested but uninspiring to this point, turned in Celtic's favour in the 20th minute when a long O'Dea pass sent Riley scurrying through on goal, only for his progress to be crudely halted by Bernard's cynical trip.
The referee surprised many in the crowd by producing a red card for the offence. Technically, he was perhaps correct, although the officials in Reserve matches usually tend to prefer a more lenient approach.
Disappointingly, it took Celtic a considerable time to show signs of exploiting their numerical advantage. Most of the play came down the left, with Wallace prominent, but the Hoops may have been better served testing their opponents on the other flank, given the loss of their left back.
A series of corners were won, from one of which Riley drilled a volley wide. But Marshall had to be quick off his line to block Novo following some hesitancy from Irvine.
Kenny McDowall's troops showed a much greater degree of urgency after the break, during which Rangers had put Paul Emslie on in place of Carcary.
With Rodriguez now attempting to marshall a back three, the Celts were soon pouring forward in waves.
A powerful Lawson surge saw him hit the by-line but his cutback was cleared. On 53 minutes, a tame Riley shot was saved by Klos, but a minute later Wallace failed to control a wicked, inswinging Quinn free-kick at the back post and the Rangers keeper scrambled across his goal to kick the ball clear.
Marshall did well to punch clear under pressure from Namouchi, but then Quinn missed a real snip. Rodriguez, who had been attempting to look composed in possession, was tackled by Pearson and the ball squirmed across to McGlinchey, whose pass sent big Rocco clear on goal.
But Quinn became just one more Celtic striker to discover that Klos is a formidable obstacle to beat in one-on-one situations.
The German keeper beat away two efforts in a row from the young forward, who then appeared to be held back by Rodriguez. But no penalty was given.
With 29 minutes to go, McDowall unleashed his eager subs Ferry and O'Brien, who came on for McGlinchey and Quinn. Simon took a roving role on the right of midfield, often cutting inside to give Irvine room to come forward on the overlap.
Big Jim went up front, where his powerful running immediately caused a headache for the tiring Rangers back line.
On 65 minutes, Riley was inches away with a curling shot from the edge of the box which went just over the bar. Then Lawson blasted a free-kick well over.
With 17 minutes to go, Rangers coach John "Bomber" Brown, put Dany N'Guessan and Robert Davidson on for Namouchi and Novo, the latter of whom appeared to react petulantly to the pelters he was receiving from some Celtic supporters.
Minutes later, Lawson volleyed over after a strong run to the by-line by O'Brien. Then Pearson was desperately unlucky when, at full pelt, he volleyed just over after another great O'Brien run.
By this time the Rangers tactics appeared to consist of playing offside and dilly-dallying over by-kicks - a ruse which eventually earned Klos a long-overdue yellow card for time-wasting.
On a rare breakaway, Boyd attempted a left-foot volley which soared high and wide, provoking a loud chorus of "Ee-aw, Ee-aw" donkey impersonations.
But in the closing seconds the young Celts came within inches of winning the match when, following a great passing move, O'Brien burst through, only to see his shot deflected inches wide. From the resultant corner, Pearson shot tamely past in what proved to be the last action of a frustrating encounter.
On their way off, the young Celts looked annoyed not to have won, while most Rangers players simply looked thoroughly miserable.
Strength in depth? We've got it. They haven't.

PLAYER RATINGS

David Marshall: A welcome reminder that this young man is STILL a wonderful keeper. Looked in the mood, and made several confident clutches under pressure. Quick off his line and brave on a couple of occasions. Not too busy, but had to stay on his toes. Big, strong and skillful. Any other team in Scotland would be delighted to have him.
Gary Irvine: Right back was confident throughout, and really came into the match after Ferry came on. Good on the ball and strong in the tackle. Similar build to Mark Wilson, so you won't be surprised to hear he lost a few balls in the air. Talented lad.
Darren O'Dea: Big Irish lad played at left back and put in a solid shift. Gave Namouchi nothing in the first half, prompting the Tunisian to switch wings. Not as comfortable coming forward as Irvine but played some nice long passes. Very vocal and commanding. Still reckon he's better in central defence.
Scott Cuthbert: Seems to get bigger, stronger and better by the week. The Scotland Under-19 captain gave Boyd and Novo nothing... except a few bruises. Won everything in the air and showed a good turn of pace on the deck. Kept things simple when in possession. A no-nonsense defender in the John Kennedy mould. Might even get a run-out towards the end of the season.
Adam Virgo: My, the big man likes a good sliding tackle. Powered into a few here which had the Rangers players jumping out of the way. Played in central defence, to the left of Cuthbert. Once or twice was made to look cumbersome by the pace of Novo but kept the little Spaniard quiet for much of the game. I've a feeling we won't see the best of the big man until next term, as he looks the type who needs a good, long pre-season training stint.
Michael McGlinchey: Played right of midfield and looked confident and talented when in possession. But he didn't get the ball often enough, mainly because Pearson and Wallace kept it on the left for much of the game. Some nice runs, but conditions didn't suit him. Subbed after 61 minutes.
Paul Lawson: Won the central midfield battle against Gavin Rae and Hemdani but the state of the pitch often robbed him of the chance to make a killer pass. Showed tremendous energy levels and a greater willingness to get forward. His long-range shooting, though, was a bit awry. Hopefully will get a few chances in coming weeks if Strachan looks to rest Keane and Lennon - or look for their long-term replacements.
Stephen Pearson: Non-stop effort in the centre of midfield, making several powerful runs down the left channel and bursting a gut to get into the box at speed. Unlucky not to score near the end. A potent weapon, and could still have a big role to play for the first team this season.
Ross Wallace: Played wide left of midfield and powered forward at pace to give the Rangers right back a torrid time. Kept possession well, but the blustery conditions robbed several of his crosses of their potency. Popped up on the right a few times near the end, where his invention almost unlocked the packed home defence.
Rocco Quinn: Battled manfully for more than an hour, giving Rodriguez a hard time with his pace and strength. Held the ball up well, whipped in some good crosses, and unlucky not to score in the second half. Those missed chances perhaps betray his lack of experience as an out-and-out striker. But the big lad is continuing to improve.
Nicky Riley: A big test for the wiry forward, who showed great skill, pace and confidence and was never afraid to take on the bigger Rangers defenders. Didn't get a lot of luck in front of goal but held the ball up and linked play well.
Simon Ferry: First game for young Simon since signing his four-and-a-half year contract, and it was clear here why the club was so keen to hold on to his services. Immediately won tackles, made bombing runs forward, looked to play early crosses and shots. Totally confident and positive in possession. And his clever positioning shut down the Rangers midfield and brought Gary Irvine into the game. Remember Billy Bremner? Yes, he could be that good!
Jim O'Brien: A very good 30 minutes for the big lad, who terrorised the Rangers defenders with his pace, skill and confidence. They eventually had to resort to playing offside against him. The fact Jim was caught a few times is a reminder that he has only been converted to striker this season. Has to learn to "bend" those forward runs. But I'm sure the watching Strachan will have been impressed, so Jim might be getting a look at the first team bench before long.

Celtic Under-17s 3, Hibs Under-17s 1

AMID a downpour of freezing rain, a makeshift Celtic Under-17 team outplayed and outclassed their opponents from Edinburgh 3-1, despite the fact that several of this age group's top players had been pulled out to go with the Under-19 squad to Italy for a tournament in Bologna.
A measure of the ad hoc nature of today's squad can be adjudged from the fact that even long-standing members of the team couldn't give me the surnames of a couple of the players.
Yet at times this young Celtic team played dazzling possession football which left their opponents chasing shadows.
As I stated a few months ago, the Under-17 fixtures are actually games of THREE halves!
To be exact, three periods of 30 minutes. Non-competitive (i.e. the scores do not count, although the players are VERY competitive) and players can come on and off the pitch at the manager's discretion.
Celtic started with Owen "Casey" Jones, who plays for Wales Under-17s, in goals.
Right back was the powerful Jason Marr, with Danny Lafferty.
In central defence were Billy Gavenna and Ewan Moyes.
Tiny Joe Bradley was right of midfield, Carlo Monti started on the left, with David Wotherspoon playing the holding role in midfield behind Kevin Cawley, who usually plays at centre forward.
Up front was Scotland Under-16 player Michael Graham and the pacy "C.C.", alias Craig Conell.
Due to the downpours which had reduced the nearby grass pitches to quagmires, this match was played on the artificial surface at Barrowfield.
And it definitely took the young Celts a while to adjust to the alien surface, on which any firmly-struck forward passes invariably sped out for throw-ins or by-kicks.
With the likes of Mark Staunton, Ross Hepburn, Paul Cahillane and Graham Carey left out to prepare for Italy, coach Joe McBride took the chance to give several fringe players a start.
Early on, a maginificent defence-splitting pass from Cawley sent Bradley sprinting clear, but his cross ball evaded the onrushing Connell by inches.
The Celtic keeper Jones then made a brave save with his legs before the Bhoys went ahead.
Connell showed great awareness and skill to skin the last defender before squaring the ball for Graham to blast high past the keeper.
Gavenna then kept the Celts ahead by reacting quickly to boot a loose ball to safety after keeper Jones had spilled a dangerous cross under pressure.
That was one of big Billy's last contributions to the game, as he came off after the first 30 minutes with what looked like a broken hand.
His place was taken by Scotland Under-17 defender Brian McEwan, who immediately began to show his class and bring a sense of composure to the young Celts' defending.
After 40 minutes, wee Joe Bradley beat three players and set up Connell for a 25-yard shot which the keeper spilled. But with Bradley in a good position inside, Graham slashed the rebound well wide - and received a fair bit of stick from his teammates.
After 45 minutes, pacy striker Gary Livingstone came on for Carlo Monti, with Graham moving out to the left of midfield.
Five minutes later, McEwan rose magnificently to power in a header from a Graham corner which the keeper tipped on to the bar. A minute later, another Graham header was cleared off the line.
And young Brian's voluble expressions of frustration brought a blush to his father's face!
Graham then set up Livingstone for a chance, but the surface defeated the young Bhoy.
Welsh keeper Jones came off to be replaced by a giant 16-year-old from Newcastle, James Gilpin.
The young Englishman made an immediate impact with a brave punch under pressure.
A fierce 25-yard volley from Graham was deflected well wide by the head of his own colleague Moyes. The injured Connell was replaced by Michael Tidser.
But, with McEwan, Wotherspoon and Cawley now dictating play, the young Celts embarked on an incredible two-minute spell of passing and moving which resulted in Tidser volleying home the second goal right on the end of the second period.
The sparkling play continued in the third period, with Livingstone, Graham and Cawley all going close.
After 70 minutes, another flowing move resulted in Tidser being brought down in the box. Graham seemed keen to take the resultant penalty kick, but the ball was grabbed by the eager Cawley.
And young Kevin made no mistake form the spot, to put the young Celts 3-0 up.
A minute later, the Hibs No. 15 skipped past a couple of tackles before cracking home a magnificent 25-yard shot to make the final score 3-1.
Both teams had chances after that, but the control always lay with Celtic, and in particular their classy midfield pairing of Cawley and Wotherspoon.
The fact that, in the dying seconds, a Celtic breakaway saw Cawley sprinting the full length ofthe park speaks volumes for his stamina and commitment - and this from a part-time player still studying for his Highers.
In utterly awful conditions, this was a highly impressive performance from the depleted young Celts which clearly emphasised their depth of talent.
Several of these players will be in next season's Under-19 squad. And I look forward to them getting their chance with the first team in two or three years' time.

PLAYER RATINGS

Owen "Casey" Jones: Big Welsh Under-17 keeper made a good block early on, then dropped a cross under pressure. Rarely tested, though.
Jason Marr: Second time I've seen him at right back, and he really looks the part in this position. Tough tackler and very positive going forward. Should be seen at Under-19 level.
Danny Lafferty: Athletic lad, but seemed to lack "game intelligence". Pacy and strong but fairly new to the team. And, as I said, the surface was not conducive to long passes up the flanks. Will need a lot of coaching.
Billy Gavenna: Again, my apologies to his family if I've got his surname wrong. Big, strong centre half. Made a good clearance after the keeper dropped the ball. Came off after 30 minutes with what looked like a broken hand.
Ewan Moyes: Very vocal big stopper but technically limited. Did a very good job for the team on the day and did little wrong, but has a big "agricultural" stride which tends to suggest he won't have the ability or poise to compete at the top level. Very honest big defender, though.
Joe Bradley: Very talented wee midfielder who played out on the right wing. But he is TINY. My son, who is 12, is bigger. Some very nice pieces of play, but can't hope to compete at the top level unless he really puts a stretch on and finds some aggression. Steak, egg and Guinness, son!
David Wotherspoon: Wasn't over-impressed with him when he played for Scotland Under-16s in the recent Victory Shield internationals but he was probably Bhoy of the Match here. Sat in the central midfield holding role and showed great intelligence, skill and determination. Broke up play and kept possession extremely well. But, just to prove that 16-year-olds don't have ALL the answers, he missed his tackle leading up to the solitary Hibs goal. That apart, he was excellent.
Kevin Cawley: Usually centre forward in this team, but dropped deeper here to play as an attacking midfielder - a position that I believe is made for this Scotland Under-17 star. Non-stop energy from first minute to last, comfortable on left or right foot, with a great awareness of where and when to play the pass. Clearly THE class player on the pitch. Sometimes tried too hard to play the killer pass when a more experienced midfielder would have been happy to keep possession. But should be a cert for next season's Under-19 squad.
Carlo Monti: Talented left-sided player but, to an old donkey like myself, he doesn't work hard enough. Seemed happy here to just do enough to get by, and no more. Was substituted when playing left of midfield, then brought on near the end at left back. Will have to be far more assertive if he wants to achieve anything.
Craig Connell: Very willing runner at centre forward until he went off after about 50 minutes. Showed a lot of pace and skill, especially in setting up the first goal for Michael Graham. Will have to hold the ball up better, though, and work hard on his physique.
Michael Graham: Clearly a very talented player, as he has shown for Scotland Under-16s. But quite wasteful when in possession on a number of occasions. And once or twice went for a shot when teammates were in better positions. Has to realise that skill alone is no guarantee of a long professional career. Better ball retention is a must, as is the need to show his colleagues that he is a true TEAM player. Do that, Michael, and you WILL have a chance!
Gary Livingstone: Extremely pacy and honest centre forward who gave the Hibs central defenders a torrid time after coming on as a sub. Repeatedly took on and beat his man but often his final ball was just a yard away from being perfect. Looks very willing, though, and - as with all the Celtic players - allowances have to be made for the alien surface. I hope to see him continuing to improve because he's the sort of forward any defender HATES playing against.
Brian McEwan: Brought such a deal of composure to Celtic's defensive play. Attacks the ball well, yet always looks to play football when in possession. So unlucky not to score two goals with headers from corners. A real team player who exudes confidence and a tremendous will to win. Once or twice I though he'd maybe need lessons from me on when is the right time to BLOOTER a ball, but I get the impression this lad is a real WINNER. Look forward to see him forming an Under-19 partnership with Mark Staunton next season.
James Gilpin: Big 16-year-old keeper from Newcastle who came on about halfway through the game. Made a couple of brave saves, but was helpless for the Hibees' goal, which was a beauty. Good size for a keeper, mind you.
Michael Tidser: What a stretch this boy has taken! Seems to have grown quite a bit since I last saw him against Rangers a few months ago. Came on at left of midfield and hammered home the second goal. But seems to have a bizarre running style, which I'm told is due to a recent injury. May take his body a wee bit of time to catch up with his recent stretch but he showed a lot of poise and skill.

Youth Cup: St Johnstone 0, Celtic 3

I couldn't get to this game, played at McDiarmid Park, but a fellow CelticQuickNews poster, the one and only Estadio, managed along to Perth. I asked for a few details of the match, and he sent me this wonderful report by email. I am sure you will all agree it's a delight to read:

THIS was a marvellous game played with passion and an abundance of skill by both sides.Celtic were for the first time in my memory actually much more physically developed than St Johnstone, but it was later pointed out to me that they were also on average a year or so older.
We lined up in Strachanesque 4-4-2 with the Spine of the side being Cuthbert, Grant, and O’Carroll with McGowan doing a foraging front role consistently making himself available for the pass to foot. Teddy Bjarnasson seemed to be operating in the free attacking midfield role advancing to supply and support the front two and wide midfielders at every opportunity.
Complementing Teddy was Charlie Grant who operated in a similar vein but in a more defensive and containing role, but still with his eye to the attacking potential.
This allowed a display of great fluidity which deceptively also required tight discipline, continuous communication, and real confidence in your team mates.
For the majority of the first half Celtic dominated with a free flowing series of sharp, confident hard passes to feet, moving for the return and turning the St Johnstone defence.
Teddy’s creative abilities were central to most of the moves as he moved across his three midfield partners, picking up the initial pass and starting off the moves, with either Jim O’Brien or Diarmuid O’Carroll.
Chance after chance came our way but through a little lack of composure and experience, coupled with some smashing goalkeeping and last gasp defending, we couldn’t quite get the ball in the net.
Infrequently St Johnstone made us work really hard at the back, and the rarity of this pressure was down in particular to the prodigious efforts of Charlie Grant. In his slightly more positive Neil Lennon role, he cajoled and drove everyone forward by effort, willpower and composed skill as he firstly filled the occasional gap, won just about every tackle and header, and most importantly ensured that Teddy and Jim O’Brien were fed with a feast of opportunities for attacking fast and often.
On the rare occasions the times the ball did get through in that first half, the back four, under the direction of Scott Cuthbert, both literally and figuratively head and shoulders above anyone else, ensured that nothing unnecessary was given away.
St Johnstone were relying on a mistake which really never came, although their skill and quick movement ensured that our concentration had to be maintained!
As the second half got underway, it became obvious that Celtic’s pressure would pay dividends and as St Johnstone started to fragment slightly under the constant attacks, an unstoppable hard and low diagonal cross from Mark Millar on the right, was met by O’Carroll at the far post and he confidently met it first time to put Celtic, a more than deserved, one goal up.
Teddy Bjarnasson was dictating more and more, perhaps sometimes over-elaborating or not seeing the potential defence splitting impact of a simple wall pass, but at all times displaying great close control and ball retention.
Jim O'Brien was causing palpitations both to the under-siege St Johnstone rearguard and also to the coach who must have burst every blood vessel in his body as he tried to scream his team to stop Jim and his enthralling runs into their heartlands!
When we brought on Paul Cahillane, Jim O’Brien who had delighted us with so many direct and magnificently skilled runs, dropped into the middle swapping on a regular basis with Teddy as they kept St Johnstone corralled within their own last thirty yards.
Jim Eventually got his deserved reward as he in turn rewarded the crowd with a marvellous drive from just outside the box to put Celtic in a relatively comfortable position.
Graham Carey’s third goal, from a slight deflection was perhaps a little fortuitous, and while St Johnstone played well and did not deserve a real battering, the 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection on the gap in development and the relative number of chances.
The big difference however was the maturity of the teamwork coupled with the intrinsic skills and fitness of a Celtic team that wanted to play, to play for each other, and to play for a constantly enthusiastic Willie McStay.
The best teams have big characters who never hide and either through their obvious presence never allow times to get hard, or when they do are always there to add that extra bit of bite, guile, bravado or sheer gallusness!
Celtic have a few of them coming through!Whether the players go on as I said in an earlier post is always open to question. But I will say that while just about everyone on the field (St Johnstone as well), looked eminently capable of going further up the hierarchy of professional football, Scott Cuthbert, Teddy Bjarnasson, Jim O’Brien, Paul Cahillane, and Charlie Grant seem to possess at the moment an extra fuse that if lit could explode into a cascade of future talent!
If two of them make it, then that would be nice, but in the meantime I will continue to get along and watch them, not just as the feeding tube of the first team, but as a tremendously entertaining team in their own right!

Estadio