Celticfcblog

Youth Cup Final: Celtic v Rangers, April 23

2008-04-18T21:39:00.001Z

ON Wednesday, April 23, Celtic's brave and talented Under-19s will take on their Rangers counterparts in the Scottish Youth Cup Final at Hampden Park. Kick-off will be 7.30pm, but get along early, as sizeable queues are common at these matches.
Don't be put off by last year's horror show, when a powerful Rangers team cruised to a 5-0 win; this will be a much tighter affair. In fact, despite being underdogs, John McLaughlan's youngsters are at last beginning to show the determination and self-belief necessary to record a memorable victory.
That verdict might come as some surprise to those who read my last report, on a narrow cup win over Motherwell. But, hey, I'm not going to apologise for being honest. I wasn't over-impressed by that performance. However, having just watched Celtic TV's coverage of the 2-1 win over a strong Aberdeen side in the semi-final at Pittodrie, I'm feeling much more optimistic.
The Dons fielded first team regulars Chris McGuire and Sone Aluko. The wee Bhoys were minus big players such as Cillian Sheridan, Lawrence Gaughan and Graham Carey. Yet they showed they have the hearts of giants by tackling their opponents to a standstill and scoring two fantastic goals.
It came as no surprise to me that Kevin Cawley and Jason Marr were the names on the scoresheet. Both have been real leaders for this team this season, and have been justifiably promoted to the Reserves squad.
Just as pleasing was the drive and control that Richard Towell and Michael Tidser displayed in the centre of midfield. Paul Skinner produced a heroic performance between the sticks. And Michael Graham showed great pace and determination up front.
Add in mature performances from the young fullbacks, Grant Gallagher and Carlo Monti, plus real Irish grit from Danny Lafferty as a stand-in central defender, Paul Cahillane on the left of midfield and Declan Bunting up front.
Luca Santonocito will come into the reckoning for Hampden, as will Gaughan and, hopefully, Sheridan. It will still be a massive test for these young Bhoys, many of whom are only 17.
But at last it seems that they are truly standing up to be counted.
They now know that you can't hide in a Celtic strip; you can't be average; you can't settle for second best.
Next Wednesday, Celtic fans won't have to rely on my reports, those on the official website or the comments of a handful of other youth team watchers. Thousands will be at Hampden to make up their minds about these wee Bhoys.
And I back these kids to show that they have courage, they have talent, and they have the determination to make it all the way to the first team.
If they do that, they will be heroes, winners and champions.
Forecast: Celtic 2, Rangers 1.

BP Youth Cup: Celtic 3, Motherwell 2

2008-02-18T23:53:00.002Z

ON a dry, bumpy pitch at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, Celtic squeezed through to the next round of the BP Youth Cup with a hard-fought win over a taller, stronger Motherwell side.
The victory was deserved, as Celtic, for the most part, dominated possession while their opponents seemed more content to sit back in numbers and hit on the break.
Sadly, however, nothing can gloss over the fact that this was a poor-quality encounter which featured less than a handful of players whom I feel confident will have lengthy careers in the professional game.
And I fear that the Celtic performance was not helped by the team selection and tactics of the manager, John McLaughlan, which appeared (to me, a mere amateur) contrary to football logic.
If that seems negative, let me tell you about one moment of determination and brilliance that lit up the whole match for me.
Ten minutes from time, with the score at 2-2, the Motherwell right back attempted to fire in a cross from the edge of the box. It was blocked, with a flying leap, by the Celtic centre-forward Kevin Cawley.
As the full-back attempted to regain his bearings, Cawley nicked the ball off his toes, sprinted 20 yards, fed Declan Bunting, who was haring down the left wing, then sprinted past gobsmacked Motherwell defenders to present himself in the middle of the goal, 10 yards out.
If Bunting had delivered the cross, it would have been a goal of classic proportions. Instead, a series of passes ended with Michael Tidser slicing the ball well wide.
In essence, that summed up much of Celtic's performance here: plenty of passing, but no end product. And Cawley, throughout, was the one class act.
In the end, the wee Bhoys were grateful for two free-kicks from Tidser that bamboozled the Well defence and, in particular, Owen Jones, a Welsh goalie who played with Celtic Under-17s little more than a year ago.
But for long periods this looked like a disaster in the making. Especially after, a few minutes in, Celtic keeper Paul Skinner flapped at a corner and Motherwell midfielder Shaun Hutchison delivered a header which was adjudged a goal despite Cawley's best efforts to clear it off the line.
That put the wee Bhoys on the back foot for a long while.
They had started with Skinner in goal, Grant Gallagher at right back, Carlo Monti at left back, and Jason Marr and Laurence Gaughan in the centre of defence.
Due to a serious knee injury suffered by Irish left winger Graham Carey and a hamstring twang endured by giant striker Cillian Sheridan, the midfield and forward positions had been re-jigged. But surely it took a perverse vision of the game of football to come up with Mr McLaughlan's solution.
Paul Cahillane, a natural left winger who has been played up front on many occasions, was asked to start on the right of midfield. Michael Tidser, a strong central midfielder, was given the left flank. Ross Hepburn, Tidser's partner in the exciting 3-3 draw with Rangers at Murray Park earlier this season, was on the bench.
In their stead came Ritchie Towell, a stocky youngster who has played much of his football at right back, plus Luca Santonocito, a slight, talented, Italian lad who was simply overpowered time after time by players two years older than him.
The result was that Bunting and Cawley saw little of the ball in the first half, when the Celtic youths played pass after pass along the halfway line, only to end with Gaughan blootering the ball towards the giant Motherwell defenders.
My notes for the match tell me that after 13 minutes, Skinner was unlucky to be booked after challenging Well forward Mark Archdeacon (a tall, talented lad who is the son of the 1986 Love Street legend Owen, who was there to watch him) on the edge of the box.
After 24 minutes, Marr came to the rescue after a poor back-header from Gaughan. Then Bunting went close with a header from a long Tidser cross when, to my mind, he could have scored if more committed.
After 37 minutes, a Tidser cross saw Cawley cushion a pass expertly for Cahillane to volley just a couple of yards wide from the edge of the box. And a couple of minutes from half-time, a cute Santonocito pass sent Cahillane through on goal, but Jones blocked his shot.
At half-time, Derry Bhoy Danny Lafferty replaced the injured Monti. And only three minutes later Celtic were level, with Gaughan flicking in a Tidser free-kick at the back post.
Shortly afterwards, Bunting did well to squeeze a low cross through to Cawley six yards out, but his effort was smothered by Jones.
Celtic were on top, but all their good work was undone when another laborious passing movement along the halfway line ended with Gaughan giving up possession cheaply and Jamie Murphy eventually cashed in with a fierce shot.
It was obvious that Celtic needed more width. Cahillane was uncomfortable on the right, and Tidser is no left winger. So McLaughlan took off Cahillane and put pint-sized winger Joe Bradley on. It seemed to me at the time that it would have been more sensible to take off Santonocito, put Tidser in the centre of the park and Cahillane out left. But what do I know?
In any case, tactical arguments were rendered pointless by a sharp turn of events. And at the centre of it all was that Bhoy Cawley.
After 67 minutes, he controlled a long pass, flicked it over his marker, then volleyed in a fierce shot that Jones saved with his ankles. It would have been a superb goal.
Three minutes later, Towell fired in a superb 25-yard shot that cannoned off the bar straight to Cawley, who kept his cool to control the ball and fire it past the gallant Jones.
From then on the young King's Park kid dominated proceedings. First, he controlled a long pass, beat two markers and fired a shot just over. Then, with 13 minutes to go, he headed a Motherwell effort off the line amid a mighty scramble at the other end of the park .
Cawley then took advantage of a cute Santonicito backheel to fire another shot just over before his marathon run described earlier in this report.
Wee Kevin also popped up twice in the move that led to Towell being fouled 30 yards out just five minutes from time.
As before, Tidser's left-foot cross arced in towards goal, but it's not clear whether Bunting (who claimed it) got a touch before it bounced past Jones. As it was, Celtic were suddenly 3-2 ahead.
Motherwell still had the chance to take the game into extra-time, but Skinner bravely saved the day.
It was a result that showed the wee Bhoys have plenty of courage. Whether any more than one or two of them have the ability to make it to the first team is another matter.

PLAYER RATINGS:

PAUL SKINNER: Tall Irish keeper who does not command his area and seems hesitant too often. Needs a sea change of attitude and application to have any chance.
GRANT GALLAGHER: Young right back from Dumbarton, of fine Donegal stock. I've been impressed with him before but he offered nothing here. Hesitant in possession and reluctant to get forward. Needs to sharpen up massively.
CARLO MONTI: Smallish left back. Injured before half-time in a tackle which he basically chickened out of.
JASON MARR: The one positive, aggressive rock amid a "back four" sea of timidity and indecision. Not the best game I've seen him play, but certainly not helped by those around him. Powerful, skillful lad with a great attitude.
LAURENCE GAUGHAN: Tall, well-built defender who plays for Ireland and came from Liverpool. But I'm not a fan of centre-halfs who don't win headers and play silly passes. Had a couple of good moments, but for most part I thought of a word that rhymes with his surname: Shockin'.
PAUL CAHILLANE: Irish left-winger played on the right of midfield, he exuded frustration. Unlucky to be substituted, but I've not seen much progress over the last 18 months. Needs to give himself a good shake if he doesn't want to end up at Home Farm.
RICHARD TOWELL: Stocky lad who consistently showed for the ball and did a power of work. My hope for him is that his girth is puppy fat and that he'll be a 6ft 1in powerhouse within 18 months. His lack of appreciation as regards how to open up his body for passes and spread the play showed he is more right back or right midfield than central midfield. Worth watching.
LUCA SANTONOCITO: Tallish, but lightweight, Italian lad who was brushed off the ball far too easily by Motherwell's bigger, taller players. Left most of the midfield battle to Towell. Needs to grow up VERY quickly.
MICHAEL TIDSER: Set up two goals with his free-kicks, yet was singularly unimpressive in general play. Why? Because he can't play left of midfield, and he knows it. Not once did he try to go on the outside; he just checked in every time. Probably spent the whole game wondering why he wasn't being played in central midfield. I certainly did. Yet the fact that he didn't knuckle down to his appointed role suggests he has plenty to add to his game.
KEVIN CAWLEY: Last week I spoke to Mick Jackson, a Celtic star of the early 1960s, about Kevin. Mick agrees Kevin is a great wee player. He was the only member of the Scotland Under-19 squad who did not look out of place against Holland the other week. "But he's too small to make it," Mick said. "Well, you might be right," I replied. Before adding: "By the way, Scott McDonald did OK today, didn't he?" As the old saying goes: It's not the size of the man in the fight that counts; it's the size of the fight in the man. Wee Kevin has the heart of a lion, two great feet, boundless energy, a good football brain and tons of courage. Importantly, he also has the humility to listen to coaches. From the guy who knew Aiden McGeady was a player 10 years ago, I tell you: Watch this space!
DECLAN BUNTING: Gangly striker who won plenty of the ball in the air against towering big Well defenders. But a million miles away from threating JVOH or Samaras for a place. A Bhoy who, I think, will advance rapidly because of a willingness to listen, learn and try his heart out. Has to sort out his ungainly running style, though.
DANNY LAFFERTY: On as sub for the injured Monti. Commitment on an Anton Rogan level but, in all honesty, the bold Danny lacks technique and composure. Good lad, though.
JOE BRADLEY: Diminutive right winger in the Brian McLaughlin mould. Added a bit of pace and directness on the right flank.

Rangers Under-19s 3, Celtic Under-19s 3

2007-10-13T18:26:00.000Z

THE brave, battling wee Bhoys of Celtic managed to negate a strong Rangers youth team and an infuriatingly biased referee to secure a 3-3 draw at Murray Park.
Scrambled efforts from Kevin Cawley and Luca Santonocito had put the young Celts in a good position to go on and secure the three points.
But a ridiculous penalty decision from a referee who had displayed his bias from the opening minutes left Celtic glad to salvage a draw from an evenly-matched and entertaining encounter.
The Hoops had started with Paul Skinner in goal and his fellow Irishman Richard Towell at right back.
Carlo Monti was left back, with Laurence Gaughan and Jason Marr in central defence.
Kevin Cawley, who had done so well at striker this season, started at the right of midfield, with Ross Hepburn and Michael Tidser in the centre, and Graham Carey out on the left.
Up front, with Paul Cahillane and Cillian Sheridan injured, were the very young pairing of Michael Graham and Belfast Bhoy Declan Bunting.
After a slow start in which the referee turned a blind eye to several meaty challenges, Andrew Shinnie came close with a free-kick from 20 yards out.
After 16 minutes, a poor Carey free-kick saw John Fleck sprint forward 60 yards and skin Monti, but just as he was about to shoot, Towell thwarted him with a great tackle.
It was about now, with the game in the balance, that the referee, Alasdair Ross, began his prolonged bid to win favour with any watching SFA supervisors.
He booked Kevin Cawley for an innocuous foul, then also yellow-carded Bunting for an ill-advised lunge at Giorios Efrem, the Rangers left winger from Greece.
It was from that conceded free-kick on 34 minutes that Rangers took the lead, a long ball being flicked on to allow Andrew Shinnie to slot the ball under the hesitant Skinner.
Two minutes later Celtic equalised.
A free-kick rebounded to Michel Tidser 25 yards out, and his powerful drive almost broke the bar. The ball rebounded to Jason Marr, whose sclaffed shot gave Cawley the chance to net at the second attempt.
Before the break, Shinnie headed just wide for Rangers and Hepburn had a header blocked after a great Monti cross.
But, in all honesty, Celtic had struggled for 45 minutes due to the inability of their very young forward line to retain possession.
Things got worse at the start of the second half when the right-footed Efrem ran away from Towell, then played a great reverse pass which allowed Isa Bagci to net low past Skinner.
At this stage Rangers were on top. But the whole nature of the game changed with one substitution.
Michael Graham was replaced by Luca Santonocito, with the former Inter Milan youngster going to left of midfield, Graham Carey to right of midfield, and Kevin Cawley to striker.
All of a sudden Celtic had a player up front who was looking for passes from defenders and midfielders and confident enough to take on the towering Rangers defenders.
And the hitherto anonymous Carey began to torture the Rangers left back Steven Kinniburgh.
On 58 minutes Carey fired a shot just over the bar. Then the increasingly frustrated Fleck was booked after a couple of wild lunges.
Efrem had been a major figure for Rangers at the start of the second half, but that ceased after 61 minutes when Danny Lafferty came on for Richard Towell. The Derry lad went to the left of central defence beside Gaughan, but, more significantly, Jason Marr went to right back.
Efrem was not a force from that point onwards.
Celtic were now in total control of the game. A curling Carey free-kick missed the goal by inches. Then a Cawley corner was headed off the line.
There was time for the ref to give Lafferty a pathetically soft booking before the Celts equalised.
Cawley did well to set up Santonicito, who was halted by a two-footed, studs-up challenge which the referee deemed to be fair.
Rather than argue, the ball was shuttled right to Carey, whose cheeky back-heel set up the rampaging Marr for a cross that eventually fell for Santonocito to net at the second attempt.
At that stage, 73 minutes in, there appeared to be only one team liable to win.
Craig Connell came on for Michael Tidser, who was suffering from cramp. But a minute later Mr Ross continued his bid for a free pint in his local lodge with a ridiculously soft penalty which Fleck netted to make the score 3-2 to the home team.
Our brave young Bhoys could have been forgiven for feeling they were up against 12 men, yet once again they came charging back, with the ever-diligent Ross Hepburn firing just over.
Taking his cue, Graham Carey then cut in from the right and thumped in a 25-yard fizzing drive which Rangers keeper Scott Gallacher allowed to slip through his hands to make the score 3-3.
Celtic striker Declan Bunting hit the post late on as both teams - who were clearly greatly tired on a heavy pitch - battled for the winner.
In the end, both sets of supporters greeted the players with an appreciative round of applause.
If I have to be honest, a draw was a fair result. But I genuinely felt the refereeing was far from fair.
Alasdair Ross: remember the name!

Celtic:

PAUL SKINNER
A couple of times I would have liked to have seen him quicker off his line to claim long crosses. But he had no chance with the goals, and made a couple of good saves late on. Needs an attitude. Can Artur put him up in his flat and teach him aggression and arrogance?

RICHARD TOWELL
Young 16-year-old Irish right back who clearly has a bit of growing to do. Defended well in the first half against Efrem but struggled at the start of the second half. Looked a bit nervous about going forward. Hopefully he will have learned a lot from this match.

CARLO MONTI
Talented left back, but struggled at times to match the pace of John Fleck. Good left foot, but still tons of learning to go. Needs to work very hard on his physique and pace.

JASON MARR
Tall, athletic and totally committed defender. Won header after header in central defence, where he reminded me of McManus. But he transformed the game when he moved to right back and totally bossed Efrem and set up the second goal. A certainty to move into the Reserves this season. A very good central defender, but a potentially GREAT right back.

LAURENCE GAUGHAN
Powerful centre half. Almost gave away a goal by taking one chance too many at the back. But his physique and commitment make him an essential player for this squad. Taking his time to settle in, but he will be a great addition once he stops trying too hard and sticks to his strengths.

KEVIN CAWLEY
Started at right midfield, but spent much of his time trying to play two positions; he was over-keen to switch inside and try to link up with his mis-firing forwards. At times this made it hard for Towell at right back to link up with him. But all this changed when he switched to striker and began to show for the ball, hold it up, bring other players into the game and generally terrorise the Rangers defence. Scored the first goal, but I was more impressed by the influence he clearly has on this team - he is THE player that the defenders and midfielders look to link up with. Kevin has definitely had better games, yet his influence on this game was still immense. Never stops running, totally aggressive, great first touch, out-jumps players six inches taller than him. Should I tell you about the senior Celtic coach who has likened him to Larsson?

ROSS HEPBURN
Once again asked to play the holding role in central midfield, with his chances of getting forward curtailed. Yet he still came close twice to scoring. He and Michael Tidser went toe-to-toe with the much-vaunted Rangers midfielders and came out on top. Any team would be happy to have this selfless, talented and determined young lad in their team. One of his tough tackles near the end was bone-crunchingly superb. Another great performance from a great team player.

MICHEL TIDSER
Totally mature and controlled performance. Set up the first goal with a magnificent 25-yarder which almost broke the bar. Ended up with cramp, which obviously means he has to work harder on his fitness. But he has much to be proud of from a great perfromance.

GRAHAM CAREY
I'll not beat about the bush here: on a number of occasions that I've seen this young Irish lad I've considered him to be more about pose than delivery. And in the first half of this game, it was pretty much business as usual. But when Graham was switched to the right wing in the second half he REALLY came to life. He tortured the Rangers left back, Steven Kinniburgh, and was at the heart of many attacks. Then he cut inside and sent in a thunderous 25-yarder which the keeper made a mess of to secure the draw. If Graham can regularly repeat that 30 magical minutes of aggression, pace, skill and delivery, he really has a chance.

MICHAEL GRAHAM
Skillful striker who had one or two jinking runs but rarely troubled the giant Rangers defenders. Has to work hard on physique and pace, stop blaming others, and get some aggression into his play.

DECLAN BUNTING
Tall, skinny Belfast lad won a few headers against the big Rangers defenders but rarely held the ball up well. Hit the post late on, but then had another chance and decided to pass rather than shoot. A big step-up for him, and at times he looked over-awed. Has to work very hard, but has youth and enthusiasm on his side.

LUCA SANTONOCITO
Came on at left of midfield, which is clearly not his position. I'm told he prefers to play in the middle, but will take some time to adjust to the hectic nature of that role in Scottish fitba. Showed great enthusiasm to get into the box, and was rewarded with the second goal, which he celebrated with gusto. Just a boy, but now on a steep learning curve.

DANNY LAFFERTY
Came on as a left-sided central defender and made some great challenges. Booked for next to nothing by a clown of a referee, but played a key part in changing the game around, not least by allowing Jason Marr to move to right back. It's impossible not to like Danny's Rogan-esque enthusiasm, but he probably knows himself that he has to work very hard on the technical side of the game.

CRAIG CONNELL
Unlucky not to start, and did a great job for the team as a late replacement for Tidser in the centre of midfield.

Celtic Youths 4, Inverness 2

2007-09-19T00:27:00.000Z

Just after noon on Saturday September 15, 2007, I managed to escape from my onerous familial and commercial obligations to head along to Barrowfield to see how the latest bunch of young Bhoys were faring.
I was aware that they had made an unconvincing start to the season, having lost to St Mirren on the new St Anthony's grass pitch at the old Fifty Pitches site in Govan.
However, I still didn't arrive on time to see Kevin Cawley hit the bar with a header against Inverness Caledonian Thistle's young giants.
Less than a year ago I had seen the young striker miss a barrowload of chances against the same outfit; it now seemed I was in for an action replay. And I was not to be disappointed.
It took me a wee while to work out who was who in the Celtic line-up. In goal was the 16-year-old debutant Stephen Hall, who replaced the injured Paul Skinner.
Due to injuries and departures, Jason Marr filled in at right back, with Carlo Monti on the left and Laurence Gaughan, the new signing from Liverpool, in central defence alongside Derry's Danny Lafferty.
Irish lad Graham Carey started on the right of midfield, although he later switched flanks and even ended up at left back. In the middle, Ross Hepburn partnered another Irish kid, Eric Foley, with Michael Tidser on the left to begin with.
The aforementioned Cawley started up front with Paul Cahillane, and this pair had the Caley lads on their heels from the first minute onwards. But they were made to pay for missed chances on 39 minutes when the visitors broke away and Leslie netted with a cool chip.
Just two minutes later a Gaughan long ball was cleverly headed on by Cawley to Hepburn, whose low cross was dummied by young Kev to allow Tidser to equalise with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.
Craig Connell came on for Foley at the break, and the wee Bhoys made a storming start to the second half.
Within two minutes Tidser had threaded a through ball for Cahillane to run on and net coolly. Just five minutes later, Hepburn found Cahillane, who sent a wonderful defence-splitting pass through for Carey to net with a touch of class.
But the best goal came from a lightning-quick break which ended with Cawley sending a quite incredible reverse pass from inside his own half right into the path of Hepburn, who sprinted on to slot home Celtic's fourth.
Caley pulled one back late on with a Nakamura-esque free-kick from Gillespie.
There was still time for the quite awful ref to give a free-kick against sub Declan Bunting after he was almost cut in half at the end of the Inverness box.

Player ratings

Stephen Hall: The young debutant was, understandably, nervous in the early stages and almost lost a poor goal. But he had no chance with the two ICT strikes and went on to show courage and some good handling. Tall, talented lad.
Jason Marr: Last season's inspirational central defender had to fill in at right back, where he played for the Under-17s a couple of years ago. Struggled early on, and was partly at fault at the first goal. Yet this tall, athletic and skillful lad did enough to confirm my impression that this is the position he should make his own. Do Celtic want a full-back who can win a header? Yup!
Carlo Monti: Young, slight left back showed plenty of drive but is still adjusting to this level. Has to work hard on the training ground, in the gym and at the dinner table to ge the physique he'll need to compete at the top level.
Laurence Gaughan: Tall, broad centre-half signed from Liverpool showed good leadership qualities but seems a bit raw. This team needs his size and aerial ability, but Laurence has to work extremely hard on his touch, passing and composure.
Danny Lafferty: The Derry lad usually plays at left back, but filled in at central defence and, for most of the game, did a great job. But he almost gave away a crazy goal right on half-time when he attempted to dribble out of his own box. Needs to develop a hard, professional edge to his play.
Graham Carey: Talented Irish winger who started on the right, switched to the left, then ended up at left back. A really cool finish for the third goal. I'd like to see more aggression and self-sacrifice from him, as he often appears to be a bit greedy and even a bit lazy as regards his team commitments.
Ross Hepburn: Still running further and tackling more than anyone else in this team, and this week rewarded by scoring a goal and setting up another. No-one will have to tell this Bhoy to get fit, eat well and work hard in the gym, so my only tip for him is to concentrate on the technical side of the game and continue to show everyone that he is also a very talented lad.
Eric Foley: Young Irish midfielder showed some skill in the first half but picked up an injury and didn't re-appear after the break. Understandably, given his age, he kept things simple but, in time, he will learn that Celtic midfielders have to offer a genuine threat in attack, too.
Michael Tidser: This lad has taken a real stretch. Started on the left of midfield, then tucked inside and made a real impact. Scored a great equaliser. Won the ball well and passed it with aplomb. Sadly, though, I was unfortunate enough in such a small crowd to hear some of the "encouragement" he was dishing out to younger, smaller teammates. Next time, Michael, I hope to hear you being a real leader on the park.
Paul Cahillane: Clever Irish forward who sprinted clear to score a good second goal, then released a fantastic pass for Carey to net the third. Plenty of skill, although perhaps more at home as a left winger. However, I feel he could do with showing more aggression on the pitch and finding an extra yard or two of pace. A lot of hard work lies ahead before he can even get a sniff of top-team football.
Kevin Cawley: The poor lad was cursed by me coming to see him. As with last season's game against Inverness, he missed a barrowload of chances - yet he was still the best player on the park by some distance. Pace, control, aggression, tactical insight, great attitude: this guy's got the lot. Competed well in the air with guys six inches taller than him, leading to the flick for the first goal. And his reverse pass for the fourth goal was a thing of beauty. My tip for Kev: aim for the keeper's ankles!
Craig Connell: Came on at half-time for Eric Foley and did a decent job in the centre of midfield. But he has to do more than that to make an impression. Working hard at strength, fitness, technique and speed is essential.
Declan Bunting: Tall forward who looked about 16. Very eager in his debut at this stage, but I'll need to see him again to make a judgment.

Youth Cup Final: Celtic 0, Rangers 5

2007-04-26T23:26:00.000Z

THIS was, quite simply, an utter disaster for the wee Bhoys, with NO redeeming features. A game that was lost within the first 21 minutes and only fleetingly gave the impression that there was any chance of redemption.
Rangers were bigger, stronger, better organised, more ruthless and more disciplined. In fact, in the end, the final scoreline could have been even more humiliating.
At the most optimistic, it will perhaps serve as a wake-up call for some promising youngsters who thought they had cracked it.
Sadly, though, some teenagers may well feel they have done their careers no favours whatsoever with below-par performances in front of an 11,500 crowd and a coterie of senior Celtic coaches.
It would be too painful to go through the full list of this team's failings on the night. Briefly, I'll recall my view of the goals.
Five minutes in, Andrew Shinnie took advantage of hesitation by Danny Lafferty to drill a low shot past Skinner.
On 21 minutes (after several near misses by Rangers) Steven Lennon controlled a bouncing ball 30 yards out and volleyed a tremendous dipping shot past Skinner.
For a while, Celtic rallied. They went to a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Paul Cahillane withdrawn from the attack to the left of midfield, Graham Carey switched from left to right wing, and Kevin Cawley moved from the right to a floating role between midfield and linking up with Cillian Sheridan up front.
On the few occasions when Celtic actually attempted to play passes, it seemed they could rescue their disastrous start. But the long ball up to the isolated Sheridan became all too frequent and non-productive.
At least Celtic were dominating possession at this stage, as they did at the start of the second haf. A string of half chances came and went.
But 10 minutes into the second half Caddis overlapped Carey, the Irishman conceded possession, and Lennon sprinted past a Marr tackle. It looked an easy take for Skinner.
Sadly, as the Rangers player challenged, the Irish keeper let the ball squirm though his arms for an easy tap-in for Lennon. 3-0. Game over.
From then on, Celtic's play got increasingly desperate and disjointed. A reckless Marr tackle conceded a penalty on 65 minutes, from which Lennon easily completed his hat-trick.
And five minutes later Anderson was badly a fault in conceding possession, which led to Furman tapping in the fifth.
One thing to commend the young Celts about is that, with 20 minutes left, they continued to play football and didn't resort to thuggery.
Craig Connell came on for the injured Mark Millar in midfield, and tried to be busy and positive.
Carlo Monti made a good impression after coming on at left back for Lafferty.
And Andy Traub did nothing wrong after replacing the distraught Anderson at centre-half.

Player comments

Paul Skinner: Poor mistake at the third goal. He's made a few significant errors this season and doesn't command his area well enough. Has to decide how badly he wants to be a professional. Needs to improve on this.

Paul Caddis: Captain and key player, but was well shut out of the game by Rangers. Kept going to the end and was not culpable for any of the goals. A certain starter for the Reserves next season.

Danny Lafferty: Simply a disaster for the young Derry left back. Hesitant from the start, culpable for the first goal, and at no point showed the composure and technique expected of a Cetic player. Has a LOT of work to do to secure a professional career for himself.

Jason Marr: Powerful defender who did a lot that was good, but ended up demoralised. Conceded a poor penalty for the fourth goal. Hopefully he'll be at his proper position - right back - next season. This team needs at least one natural centre half.

Sean Anderson: Converted midfielder who has never looked comfortable or happy at centre-half all season. Tonight his frustration showed with forays into midfield and a bad mistake at the fifth goal. Subbed afterwards, more as a damage limitation exercise than anything. This lad definitely has talent, but his attitude tonight was unprofessional.

Ross Hepburn: Possibly Celtic's best player, given that he stuck to his job troughout and ran himself into the ground. Tried to keep it simple, but perhaps needs to be more assertive and even selfish. A good youngster who sacrifices himself for the team.

Mark Millar: Showed some nice turns and driving runs, yet largely missed out by a back four who seemed under orders to shell endless long balls at Sheridan. Definitely has talent, but is still a million miles from a first team start. Has to work extremely hard on his physique and also look to be a stand-out in games like this.

Kevin Cawley: Heart of a lion and bags of skill, he ran himself to a standstill trying to spark this team to life, but it was a night when nothing came off for him. Started on right of midfield, but didn't see the ball. Then moved into the "hole" behind Sheridan, and sparked some good passing moves. Had three shots, but didn't hit the target. Has a big year ahead of him next season when he will be one of this team's most influential players.

Graham Carey: Talented Irish winger, but appears to lack courage and appreciation of team play. Pulled out of a number of tackles and was partly culpable at the third goal. Has to realise very quickly that professional football is no place for posers.

Cillian Sheridan: Battled away gamely for 90 minutes to win possession against two thuggish centre-halfs, but at times his lack of technical ability was badly exposed. I've thought since the first time I saw him that he'd probably played too much GAA as a youth. Tonight confirmed that. Has to work extremely hard on his technique, or be written off as more Crawford Baptie than Chris Sutton.

Paul Cahillane: Clever, hard-working left winger who started at centre forward but was moved back to the left flank after 20 minutes. Due to Celtic's back-to-front approach, little was seen of him. Seems a nice boy, but has to get an edge to his game and learn to assert himself more.

SPL Youth League: Celtic 4, Inverness 2

2006-12-01T19:11:00.000Z

THE young Bhoys gained revenge against the only team to have beaten them in the league this season, and in doing so displayed that they have an abundance of guts and grit to complement their undoubted talents.
For long periods of the first 45 minutes it seemed Willie McStay's kids were about to come a cropper at a blustery Barrowfield against their bigger, stronger and older opponents.
But a half-time rollicking by the Under-19s' coach appeared to reinvigorate the Celtic teenagers, who stormed to a deserved 4-2 victory.
They had started the game with Paul Skinner in goal behind right back and skipper Paul Caddis, central defenders Jason Marr and Sean Anderson plus Danny Lafferty at left back.
Kevin Cawley was on the right of a midfield diamond, with Ross Hepburn taking up the holding role to give Mark Miller a platform to attack from. Graham Carey - a hat-trick hero last time out against St Mirren - was wide left.
Up front was human battering ram Cillian Sheridan , with Paul Cahillane playing off him.
On a pitch that was surprisingly firm and flat after the overnight storms, the wee Celts started highly impressively.
The passing and movement was crisp and incisive, a fact exemplified by a classy opening goal in the seventh minute.
After Ross Hepburn won the ball in midfield, three Irish lads linked up to split the Inverness defence.
Carey clipped a pass to Sheridan on the edge of the box, and his deft flick was expertly collected by CAHILLANE, who cut on to his left foot before curling the ball into the bottom corner.
Minutes later another superb passing move ended with Cahillane's curling cross being glanced wide by Sheridan.
The visitors struck back with a long-range shot which Skinner parried away. Then Caddis, after a weaving run, fed Carey in the box, but his fierce shot was blocked by the Inverness keeper.
After 23 minutes Marr came within inches of heading home a Miller free-kick.
However, 60 seconds later Inverness drew level with a goal which highlighted the fragility, inexperience and naivety of these young Celts when it comes to defending.
Marr did well to block a goalbound shot after a goalmouth scramble, but his teammates passed up a couple of opportunities to clear the ball.
That gave Inverness the chance to fire in a shot which rattled the post before WOOD stroked the rebound past the helpless Skinner.
The goal rattled the Celts, who began to play too many long balls to Sheridan. Nevertheless, they came close to scoring just after the half-hour mark when Cahillane fed Carey for a fierce drive which the keeper parried.
But worse was to follow for the wee Bhoys when the visitors edged in front after 33 minutes.
There seemed little danger as Skinner got himself in line behind a mis-hit 25-yarder.
Sadly, the big Irish keeper fumbled the ball and WOOD was once again first to the rebound to claim his second of the afternoon.
The blunder appeared to unnerve Skinner for a while, and he was perhaps fortunate to escape with just a yellow card when he downed an Inverness player at the corner of his box after a quick break. Fortunately for him, the visitor appeared to play the ball towards the corner flag before being fouled, so it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Celtic continued to huff and puff for the rest of the half, with tempers beginning to fray as a couple of young Celts attempted to play the blame game.
The half-time whistle helped to calm nerves and re-focus energies. And within minutes of the start of the second period it was clear McStay's team talk had done the trick.
Celtic looked a yard faster and a great deal more determined as they continually pressed their opponents, then reverted to their slick passing game when possession was regained.
After 50 minutes they pulled level. Marr was unlucky not to score when his header from a corner was cleared off the line.
The ball bounced high in the air just six yards out. But as a handful of giants pondered their next move, up popped CAWLEY, the smallest player on the park, to nod high into the net.
That piece of bravery gave every player in the Hoops a lift. Four minutes later Carey burst through on the left, but his cross was cut out with Cawley waiting at the back post.
Then Cawley won the ball on the edge of the box to set up Cahillane for a curling shot that drifted just over.
It really was one-way traffic at this point. Cahillane had a shot blocked. Then a great Sheridan pass put Carey through, but he drove over the bar. Carey had another chance after good play by Miller, but the Inverness keeper did well to parry his fierce drive.
Celtic neded a goal at this point, and they got it after 68 minutes after a fine, piercing run by Miller.
He passed to Cahillane, whose first touch took him away from goal. But he spun and clipped an inviting cross across the six-yard box which SHERIDAN headed powerfully home.
Caley came close five minutes later when a header from a corner slipped wide but the wee Bhoys refused to slip into bad habits and instead finished the game in style.
Inverness couldn't live with the intensity of their play, with the Celts defending from the front and attacking with pace and inventiveness.
With quarter of an hour to go, a quick Caddis free-kick was flicked by Cahillane to Cawley, who drove a superb low ball across the box which Sheridan scooped wide when it looked easier to score.
But the Hoops sealed the points on 78 minutes after the tenacious Cawley won a 50-50 ball in his own half and fed Cahillane.
Young Paul's early pass split the defence and SHERIDAN showed great acceleration and poise to run on and drill the ball low into the far corner of the net.
The Celts continued to push forward. A long Caddis cross almost sneaked into the net before quick-thinking by Miller saw his long throw set Sheridan free on the right, but his cross was just missed by the stretching Cahillane.
In a rare Caley foray, Skinner did well to tip over a fierce volley - then did even better to supress a smirk as the referee awarded the Celts a bye-kick.
Brian McEwan came on with five minutes to go for Marr, who appeared to have suffered a blow to his nose. And he saw Sheridan denied a hat-trick by a decent save from the Inverness keeper.
The full-time whistle came as a relief to the over-run visitors, who will no doubt have been as impressed as the Hoops coaching staff in the progress these young players have made in so short a time.
In a season in which the club have become virtually unbeatable at any level, these wee Bhoys are doing themselves and Celtic proud.

PLAYER RATINGS

Paul Skinner
The big Irish lad had a poor game. He started by flapping at a cross, then fumbled the ball to gift Inverness the second goal. And in the second half Caddis took a through ball off towards the corner flag when Paul should have been demanding it volubly. Needs a visit to the Artur Boruc School of Self Assertiveness to ensure that he begins to bully the opposition AND his own defenders. Big Paul has everything he needs to become a great keeper but has to command his box better and take pressure off his defence by holding crosses instead of parrying them. Keep the heid up, young man!

Paul Caddis
Another inspiring display by Captain Marvel, who continues to power forward with skill, pace and courage. Still a bit on the small side, so Inverness put a giant up against him to win long crossballs - but Paul gave him nowt. One small moan: some of his younger, less confident teammates will react better to encouraging words rather than carping. That said, Paul continues to inspire by his example.

Danny Lafferty
Fast becoming one of my favourite players in this remarkable squad. At times Danny's distribution can be a bit haphazard but he lacks nothing for determination and enthusiasm.
There's a bit of the Anton Rogan about big Danny as he surges forward on the left flank - no doubt a comparison enjoyed by the Derry lad's relatives. He has tons of work still to do on his game but he's in the right place to do that work if he wants it badly enough.

Jason Marr
The rock on which the back four has been built this season. He had to be brave to stand up to the aerial bombardment from the big Inverness lads - and he was. A fine big stopper with no lack of skill, although I feel a player in his position should be the loudest, angriest player on the park in order to marshall his colleagues and intimidate the opposition. Jason also came close to scoring a couple of times. Let's just say he was unlucky - because his parents wouldn't tell me how many "k"s there are in shocking! (;-0)

Sean Anderson
Tall, skillful midfielder who has done a superb job in the centre of defence since Andy Traub got injured. Not a natural header of the ball (I'm available to give him lessons on the skill that made me a legend for Muirend Amateurs' second team!) but has a good burst of pace and shows composure in possession. But, like Jason, he has to become more intimidating. Professional fitba' can be a nasty business at times - and central defenders have to be the nastiest of the lot. That said, big Ando deserves massive credit for another great performance.

Kevin Cawley
Not at his happiest on the wide right of midfield and towards the end of the first half it appeared to me that he'd let his head drop a bit. But he came back out for the second half in a determined mood and turned the game with his brave equaliser. Small and wiry, but with bags of guts and skill, he reminds me of a certain Swedish forward with his ability to out-jump much taller opponents and power fearlessly into tackles. There's much, much more to come from this lad.

Ross Hepburn
Another totally unselfish performance from the midfield workhorse, who ran and tackled all day and kept posession with short, sensible passes. Like Jason Marr, he does the unglamorous work with a minimum of fuss. But without his efforts and attitude this team would not be top of the league. How Archie Knox can ignore him for Scotland Under-19s is a mystery. Perhaps.

Mark Miller
A superb talent, he sped forward from deep positions time and again, beating three or four players at a time. But he has to learn when to release the ball to maintain momentum and wrong-foot defenders. Like Caddis, a 19-year-old veteran in this mainly 17-year-old team and, like Cap'n Paul, I feel he should be more aware of how unhelpful it can be when he lets his frustration lead to criticism that can demoralise his less experienced colleagues. That said, this very skillful player is a genuine prospect.

Graham Carey
No hat-trick this week for the swaggering left winger with the bright yellow boots. But it wasn't for a lack of trying, as Graham hammered in shot after shot with his big banana feet. Took a knock early on and seemed less than keen on tackling from then on. A great talent going forward, but the Irish lad has to work harder for his team when the other side have the ball.

Cillian Sheridan
Apparently crocked all week, the big boy struggled to get into the game for long spells of the first half. But he had a superb second period, with many examples of skillful build-up play to add to his two goals. The first was an easy header but the second was a superb finish. This lad has a big future in the game if he continues to improve at the rate he's done so far this season.

Paul Cahillane
I was delighted to see this lad get a goal as he sacrifices so much for the team with his thoughtful build-up play and selflesss passing. Seldom gives the ball away, and struck up a great understanding with Cawley in the second half. I'm not convinced that he's a natural striker, but this lad simply gives his all for the team and is a real prospect.

Brian McEwan
Came on for Jason Marr's bruised conk in the last five minutes and displayed skill and poise at centre-half. Shame about the mullet.

Aideninho: A work in progress

2006-10-05T23:31:00.000Z

PRAISE be, it seems like I was right a few weeks ago when I pronounced: It's Aiden Time!
Since then the wee genius has dominated matches for Celtic and is justifiably miles clear in supporters' Player of the Season competitions, such as the one run on www.kerrydalestreet.co.uk
And no wonder. His turns of pace, trickery, incredible ball control and passing have been a highlight of a particularly fruitful spell for the club.
Despite a disappointing evening in Manchester, he was immense against Rangers, transformed the CIS Cup tie against St Mirren, was marvellous against Copenhagen and scored the only goal of the game at Falkirk.
A run of rich form which culminated with the inevitable tabloid speculation that this wonderful player was being hunted by the likes of Spurs and Manchester United.
Nothing new there, I can assure you.
Liam Brady did everything he could to get a very young Aiden to Arsenal.
And Sir Alex Ferguson once enrolled Darren Fletcher in a bid to entice him to Old Trafford.
But the wee man is Celtic through and through. Once he knew the club's ambitions matched his own, he signed on the dotted line for Tommy Burns.
And I am certain this special talent is in no rush whatsoever to leave Celtic Park.
Sure, his agent will be proposing a compelling case for a new, improved, extended contract.
But why would Aiden leave the club he has always loved before he has achieved even a fraction of the things he wants to?
Think back to last season: the spindly kid who lost possession too easily and performed his defensive roles half-heartedly.
Now we have a veritable tiger who spent the first 20 minutes of the last Old Firm game booting Alan Hutton up and down the touchline.
And the big Rangers numbskull thought HE was going to be the one kicking Aiden!
Talk about getting your retaliation in first!
His run and timing of the pass for the second goal in that game was sublime.
It can't be denied that Aiden is now Celtic's most influential player.
But here is where I can tell you something that I am sure Aideninho is VERY well aware of:
THE BEST IS YET TO COME.
Young Aiden is going to get stronger and faster. He is going to establish more "game intelligence", knowing when the best time to release the ball is and where to position himself in defence.
He is going to learn to hit the target more often with his shots, rather than registering one goal out of every 40 or 50 efforts.
Aideninho will also develop an understanding of where and when are the most opportune times to execute his Michael Flatley-esque waggle of the right foot and also his incredible spin-turn, which adds a left-foot flick to the world-famous Cruyff turn.
There is so much more to come. And we are in the incredibly lucky position, as Celtic fans, of being able to see it unfold in front of our eyes.
John Hartson, on radio after the Copenhagen game, said Aiden reminded him of the late, great Jinky Johnstone.
An incredible tribute. And one to remember the next time any Celtic fan hums and haws at a momentary loss of possession by this superbly talented youngster.
Let me make this plain: We are extremely lucky to have young Aiden.
And we'll have him for a long time to come.
Is it not about time we showed our appreciation?

Celtic U-19s 2, Dunfermline U-19s 1

2006-09-21T22:23:00.000Z

WILLIE McSTAY'S young Bhoys battled their way to a deserved victory in blustery conditions at Barrowfield on Tuesday, with an injury-time winner from Cillian Sheridan sparing them the agony of throwing away two precious points.
The Celtic youths totally dominated Dunfermline after a classy opening goal from Sheridan but a catalogue of missed chances maintained the visitors' hopes of snatching a draw.
And when the Pars equalised with eight minutes to go, it seemed this extremely young Hoops side was about to be severely punished for their profligacy.
All the more reason, then, for the late, late clincher to be celebrated with unbridled joy by the ecstatic - and mightily relieved - Celts.
They had kicked off with big Irish lad Paul Skinner in goal, skipper Paul Caddis at right back and Derry kid Danny Lafferty on the left. Young giants Jason Marr and Andy Traub provided the central defensive partnership.
Classy Mark Millar started on the right of midfield, Ross Hepburn and Sean Anderson were in the middle and Ireland's Graham Carey celebrated his return from injury by patrolling the left flank.
Up front, the gargantuan Irish youth Cillian Sheridan was supported by the relatively diminutive Kevin Cawley.
Conditions varied between torrential downpours and gale-force winds to pleasant sunshine. Typical Glasgow weather! But at times it made passing and judging high balls difficult for all the kids on the pitch.
Not that it stopped the Celts racing into a fifth-minute lead, courtesy of a scintillating one-two down the right flank between Caddis and Millar which ended with the captain squaring the ball across the six-yard box to present Sheridan with an easy tap-in.
The wee Bhoys then settled down to a compelling rhythm of tackling, passing and moving that kept their opponents almost permanently on the back foot.
Millar and Caddis created havoc down the right, Carey showed nifty skill on the left, Hepburn and Anderson worked like Trojans in the centre of the park and Cawley buzzed about here, there and everywhere to link up play and pose a threat.
After 10 minutes, Sheridan headed just over. Then Carey flicked a Carey cross inches past, before a Carey corner was headed past by Millar.
After 23 minutes, a comical sand-dance shuffle by big Cillian bought him enough space 20 yards out to fire in a low shot that skidded inches wide.
And two minutes later Carey and Caddis worked a short corner which ended with a Sheridan header being deflected wide.
Unfortunately, Celtic lost their way a bit for the next 20 minutes or so, albeit in the worst of the weather. It wasn't until the stroke of half-time that Millar came close with a fierce 25-yarder that was saved by Pars keeper Greg Patterson.
At the other end, Skinner had next to nothing to do, thanks largely to some forceful defending by Traub and Marr, who won just about every aerial challenge.
At left back, Lafferty had endured a fairly mediocre first 45 minutes, misplacing several passes. But young Danny made a good start to the second half, setting up Cawley, who skipped past two defenders before cracking in a shot from the edge of the box that fizzed inches wide.
That was the start of an immensely frustrating period for the brave and talented forward as he created - and, sadly, missed - a host of chances.
On 48 minutes he was just a couple of inches short of being able to direct his header from a Carey cross under the bar.
Then a powerful Caddis drive was deflected for a corner. And on 57 minutes Cawley came desperately close. Forcing his way into the box, he dummied a defender before firing a low shot towards the bottom corner, only for Patterson to produce a great save.
Two minutes later wee Kevin latched on to a Sheridan flick and, one-on-one with the keeper, he tried to flick the ball home with his right foot. Patterson parried, but Cawley latched on to the rebound and shot with his left - only for the Pars keeper to block his effort again.
It was all one-way traffic as the Celts chased the second goal that would surely have secured the victory.
On 67 minutes, a Sheridan flick from a Caddis cross was saved. A Millar blast was deflected over, then Cawley jinked in from the left flank and fired in a shot from a narrow angle which was once again palmed wide by Patterson.
Not that Caddis was impressed, with the captain volubly informing Kevin that he had been in an excellent central position for a pass.
By now there was a hint of desperation about the Celts' play as they continued to fail in their attempts to convert their possession and skillful play into that all-important second goal.
On 73 minutes Carey got on the end of a Sheridan pass, but slashed his effort wide. Then great Millar-Caddis link-up play set up a low cross which Anderson volleyed over - with his teammates queueing up behind him.
Big Sean missed again when put through by Sheridan before Cawley headed over, this time from a Carey corner.
Given such wastefulness, a feeling of foreboding seemed to transfix the young Celts after Millar, with a tired challenge, gave away a free-kick on the edge of his own box.
Almost inevitably, from Nick Phinn's cross David Muir found himself all on his own six yards out to power a header past the helpless Skinner.
The Pars celebrated their apparent great escape with great gusto. That was the queue for McStay to shuffle his pack.
Striker Michael Graham came on for the exhausted Carey, with Cawley taking up the left midfield berth. Then Craig Connell came on for Hepburn, who had put in a phenomenal shift. Young "CC" went to the right of midfield and Millar moved into the centre.
But that Pars equaliser seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Celts, who struggled to regain their rhythm.
Yet just when it seemed that all they would have to show for their efforts would be a measly one point, a final burst of energy produced an incredible winner.
Cawley was pushed as he leapt bravely for a bouncing ball just inside the Dunfermline half. A free-kick was awarded, which was taken quickly and shuttled out to Caddis, as ever racing forward on the right flank.
To be honest, Paul's looping cross did not appear to be deadly, but the Pars had mucked up an attempt to play offside, leaving Sheridan free to glance a header past the stranded Patterson.
Escape to Victory? You bet. But it was a thoroughly deserved win. And one which will hopefully give this young team the confidence they need for their next match - against Rangers at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie next Friday, September 29.
It's a 2pm kick-off. Get there if you can and give the wee Bhoys a cheer.

PLAYER RATINGS

Paul Skinner: Tall, well-built Irish keeper had next to nothing to do - and no chance at the goal. But he came off his line sharply and his handling was good. It seems to me that his teammates trust him - a vital thing for a keeper.

Paul Caddis: Captain Fantastic once again. Quite wonderful when powering forward on the overlap and made no mistakes defensively. Occasionally narky with his colleagues, but that's what being a skipper is all about. Links up well with Millar, but occasionally the pair give the impression of being a bit of a clique. Simply has to keep working hard and leading by example.

Danny Lafferty: Poor first half, in which the tall left back's passing was largely either hesitant or misplaced. The fact that Carey hugged the flank meant he got few opportunities to get forward. But came more into it in the second half. Has to be more forceful and decisive in possession.

Jason Marr: Now settling into a decent central defensive partnership with Traub. The strong wind gave him the occasional problem when judging high balls but he hurled himself into several powerful headers and tackles. Gave nothing away. It looks like all the hard work on the training ground is starting to pay off for big Jason in a position that appeared to be alien to him not so long ago.

Andy Traub: Much more like it from this big lad. Used his strength and height to good effect, winning header after header as the Pars resorted to long balls. Was also much more vocal, bawling orders and encouragement and screaming his name when flying into challenges. One minor scare in the second half when he momentarily forgot that he's not Franz Beckenbauer and gave away a bad pass into the centre of midfield. That apart, he kept it simple, did his job... and left his keeper to freeze.

Mark Millar: Very skillful lad, although still on the small and slight side. Looked a class act when on the ball and his interplay with Caddis was a joy. But I feel he could be a bit more patient with some of his colleagues who, unlike him, are new to this level. He'll find that the best way to lead is by example, not by frustrated sniping. That apart, Mark continues to look a real prospect, even though he has a LOT of hard work ahead of him.

Ross Hepburn: Talented central midfielder, but here he gave his all for the team, running himself into the ground and winning tackle after tackle. Rarely gave the ball away either. Ross was a key reason why Dunfermline had to resort to long balls, as they had no joy trying to play through midfield. Subbed in the last few minutes after the Pars equaliser but put in a wonderful shift.

Sean Anderson: Like Jason Marr, Sean has taken an incredible stretch in recent months and now looks 6ft-plus. But sometimes players can take a wee while to adjust to their extra height. That may be a reason for Sean being slightly disappointing here, as at times his co-ordination seemed a bit awry. But this attacking central midfielder came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. And I'm told he's a highly rated prospect. Plenty of ballwork, fast-foot exercises and agility drills may get this big Bhoy back on song.

Graham Carey: Talented Irish left winger, with dazzling footwork, a decent burst of pace and fine delivery with his left peg. Was often double-teamed by the visitors after a promising start.
Subbed late on, perhaps due to tiredness, as he was injured recently. Maybe has to add a bit more positional awareness to his game, so that he knows when to drift inside to open up the flank for the full back. And could also do with being more diligent as regards his defensive duties. Was slow getting back a couple of times and also had a finger pointed at him for giving Muir a free header at the Pars goal.

Kevin Cawley: Could have scored six. Scored none. That just about sums up an incredibly frustrating afternoon for this skillful and spirited forward. But the fact that Kevin set up most of those chances himself reveals how much of a handful he was for the Dunfermline back four. Despite needing to stretch and fill out a bit, Kev lacks nothing when it comes to courage. Came deep to link up play, chased defenders, and took on men with ease. A real prospect with a first-rate attitude.

Cillian Sheridan: The Irish giant caused the Pars all sorts of problems and celebrated with a double. His sheer size alone makes him an invaluable presence for this team, but pretty soon he'll be playing against PLENTY of players who can match him for size and weight. By that stage, he will have to have improved his first touch, pace, agility and co-ordination. At times Cillian looked a bit cumbersome here. But I'm sure Willie McStay and his coaches will be working hard to polish off those rough edges.

Michael Graham: Skillful wee forward who is a year younger than most of the team - who are themselves a year younger than most of their opponents. Giving away two years is hard at this level. But Michael produced a couple of decent runs in the few minutes he was on the pitch.

Craig Connell: Like Michael Graham, a Scotland Under-17 squad member. The talented midfielder didn't have much time to impress but at least he got a taste of the action. Will be needed later in the season when injuries and suspensions kick in.

Subs not used: Fairley, McEwan, Kiely, Cahillane, Foley.

Celtic Under-19s 3, Hibs Under-19s 1

2006-08-26T18:37:00.000Z

THE young Celts battled their way to victory thanks to a powerful Kevin Cawley header and two flicks from giant Irish striker Cilliam Sheridan.
It was a great result for this very young team, the vast majority of whom were playing Under-17s football last season.
But I'm certain there is a lot more to come from this bunch of players once coaches Willie McStay and Joe McBride get to work on them.
There were two things that annoyed me about this performance. Firstly, the players were far too nice.
Plainly put, they tackled like big lassies.
I blame the parents for bringing their sons up too well. Football is war. We need battlers in there.
Secondly, there was too much back-to-front stuff, resulting in loss of possession. When they started playing the extra pass, bringing the full backs into the game, these Celtic young Bhoys looked like a different team. They actually looked like Celtic!
The team had a bit of a makeshift look about it due to injuries to the big Canadian kid Jacob Lensky and Irish boys Graham Carey and Paul Cahillane.
Irish keeper Paul Skinner started in goal, with skipper Paul Caddis at right back, Irish lad Danny Lafferty at left back and Jason Marr in the centre of defence with Andy Traub.
Mark Millar started on the right of a four-man midfield, but 20 minutes in he switched flanks with Sean Anderson.
Ross Hepburn played the holding role in midfield, with Kevin Cawley in front of him.
Up front were big Cilliam Sheridan and 16-year-old Michael Graham.
After a mundane opening, Celtic's first real chance came just before the half-hour mark when an Anderson free-kick found Sheridan on his own at the back post, but his weak header bounced wide.
Two minutes later a missed tackle by Lafferty allowed the Hibs 11 to fire in a shot which Skinner tipped wide.
The game came to life 10 minutes from half-time when a fierce Cawley shot was parried by the Hibs keeper, and from the rebound Lafferty's effort was tipped over the bar.
On 41 minutes, Graham went to a mazy run along the by-line, but his cutback was missed by Sheridan.
A minute later, Graham's driven cross was bulleted into the net by Cawley's header to put the Celts in front.
Anderson and Graham then had efforts as the young Celts looked like taking charge of the game.
But a minute from half-time Hibs drew level with a goal that exemplified this team's main failing.
At least three Celtic players had a chance to make a tackle or clear the ball before a fierce shot was parried by Skinner and the rebound was netted.
It was a soft goal against the run of play, but to be honest, Celtic had not played too well in the first half.
Thankfully, Willie McStay's half-time talk did the business as the young Bhoys came out fired up for the second half.
Four minutes in, Sheridan charged down the keeper's clearance and passed to Graham, who set up Cawley. But Kevin's placed shot went inches wide.
A minute later, Anderson chipped the keeper and was unlucky to see his effort hit the post, then Millar shot just wide after a fine run.
Hepburn came close with a 20-yard effort and Sheridan also hit the post with a long-range effort.
Celtic by now were totally dominating the game. Traub headed wide from a Millar corner before wee Mark set up Cawley for a fierce shot thatwas parried by the Hibs keeper.
By now the excellent Caddis was coming more into the game, and on 74 minutes he set up Sheridan with a swinging cross which the big Irishman glanced into the corner of the net to put the Celts in front again.
Two minutes later Anderson did well to win a tackle and set up Caddis for a shot that was deflected wide.
Then young Paul came close with a free-kick after Cawley was hauled down at the edge of the box.
Sheridan headed wide after a deep cross by Millar, but on 82 minutes the big Irish lad secured the win.
Once again it was the marauding Caddis who set it up, this time checking on to his left foot before curving in a cross which big Cilliam glanced into the corner.
A minute later, a long Hibs free-kick bounced off the bar before being cleared.
Brian McEwan then came on for the tiring Graham, with the sub fitting in at right back, Caddis going to right of midfield, Anderson into the middle and Cawley pushed up front.
From then on the Celts were never in trouble and saw the game out safely.
A great result. But there is a lot of hard work ahead.

Player ratings:

PAUL SKINNER: The big Irish keeper did not have a lot to do but he put nerves on edge with a weak punch when a ball was heading for his chest, then let a long cross hit the bar. Has to be more commanding.
PAUL CADDIS: Captain Fantastic. A wonderful wee player with a first-rate attitude. Set up the second and third goals with crosses and continually bombed forward. A great right back but, given the players in this squad, I feel he could do a real job for this team at right of midfield, with Jason Marr or Brian McEwan at right back. On the ball, he reminds me of Danny McGrain. How's that for a compliment?
DANNY LAFFERTY: Hard-working left back but did little going forward. Needs to add a bit of aggression to his game and play the easy pass earlier.
JASON MARR: Was a stand-out at right back for the Under-17s last season but has taken a real stretch since then. Did a great job in centre of defence here, reminding me of Stephen McManus. A good tackler, and made no silly mistakes in possession. A very professional performance.
ANDY TRAUB: Big blond stopper, he won plenty of headers but gave the ball away too often for my liking. Andy's in the team for his strength and height, so he should use that to the team's advantage by being much more aggressive and keeping his passing simple. Not the most technically gifted of players, so he has to be more of an animal.
MARK MILLAR: Started on right of midfield, then was switched to the left. A very skillful player but is still very slight. It may be unfair, but I feel Mark has got a lot more to offer as regards encouraging this very young bunch of lads. I'd like to see him being more of a leader on the pitch. I also feel his best position is up front.
ROSS HEPBURN: Put in a pile of work as the holding player in the centre of midfield, and really came into his element in the second half when Celtic totally dominated. At his best when he kept the play moving by bringing the full backs into play.
KEVIN CAWLEY: Played as the attacking midfielder, and at time found it hard to get on the ball. But this is a position wee Kev could make his own. Composed in possession , with a good burst of pace and plenty of aggression. Took his goal superbly and could have had one or two more. I'd like to see him interchanging with his central midfield partner more, just dropping deep to get on the ball and lure markers out of position. But this lad is a class act.
SEAN ANDERSON: Not a great game for the big lad. He started on left of midfield, then switched to the right. But only really came on to a game when he switched inside and let Caddis advance up the right flank. Big Sean is a central midfielder. End of.
CILLIAM SHERIDAN: Firstly, my apologies If I've got his first name wrong. Secondly, I have to confess to having written the big Bhoy off - before he scored the second and third goals. A very big lad, but he doesn't use that as much as I'd like him to. He should be bullying centre-halfs, not the other way about. He should also be showing more for passes and holding the play up better. A matchwinner today - but he needs to work hard on his game.
MICHAEL GRAHAM: Just 16, and it showed at times with his lack of confidence at taking on players almost three years older than him. Showed a couple of flashes of real skill but I feel he'd be better playing at his own age group for another year.
BRIAN McEWAN: Came on at right back for the last few minutes and did little wrong. But he was wonderful in central defence for the Under-17s last season, and that is where I feel he could do a really good job for this team. Skillful, agressive, and a good organiser.

Aiden McGeady, your time has come

2006-08-16T10:07:00.000Z

IT must have been more than 10 years ago that I first witnessed the mesmerising football talents of young Aiden McGeady. A scrawny lad of nine who looked as if he could be blown over by a gust of wind, he played centre of midfield for Our Lady of the Missions against Saint Anthony's in a semi-final for one of the Glasgow primary school cups.
The match was played on the huge Ashfield Juniors pitch near Possil, and Aiden's young opponents from Govan had obviously been told to pay him close attention. He was at all times marked by two players, but repeatedly managed to spin away to spray passes with his right and left feet or embark on lung-bursting dribbles.
It was clear then that he was something special. The Celtic scout desperately trying to engage Aiden's dad John in conversation obviously thought so.
But Mr McGeady, a former winger himself with Sheffield United in the mid-1970s, was adamant his son would not be rushed.
At the time, Aiden played 11-a-side for his school on a Saturday and seven-a-side with Govanhill Cubs on a Sunday.
It was not unknown even then for scouts and admiring coaches to take video cameras to his games to capture images of this phenomenon in action.
Not that he was the only promising player on show with Davie Docherty's Govanhill side. Several of his then teammates were later signed up by senior sides, including Mark Cassidy by Celtic and Richard Buckley by Aberdeen.
But it was clear that Aiden was the real star in the making. While the careers of others ultimately stuttered before fizzling out, I wasn't the only one who felt this young lad could go all the way to the top.
From then on I made a point of monitoring his progress. Liam Brady made a determined effort to take him to Arsenal, while Alex Ferguson tried to attract him to Manchester United.
However, from a selfish viewpoint I was delighted when Aiden decided to sign for MY club, Celtic. Which just happened to be the club his whole family followed, not least his Uncle Pat.
Despite, like Aiden, boasting Donegal connections, I had mixed feelings about him choosing to play for the Republic of Ireland.
I was well aware he had been bounced into the choice by the Scottish Schools Football Association's ridiculous decision to snub him, and also by the persistent encouragement of Packy Bonner among others.
But I knew his decision would attract the wrath of the sizeable minority in Scottish society who regard affiliation to Ireland as an affliction deserving of suspicion, if not downright hatred.
Aiden's decision showed courage, stubborness and a touch of impetuosity; attributes which he has continued to display throughout his Celtic career.
This twinkle-footed ball juggler did not linger long in Celtic's Youth or Reserve sides before being thrust into the first team - a meteoric elevation which he marked, fittingly, with a stunning debut goal against Hearts at Tynecastle.
For a while, there seemed to be no stopping Aiden. Against AC Milan in the Champions League, he dazzled Coloccini and Nesta with his footwork.
But he soon learned that most professional opponents were determined to nullify his strengths rather than admire them. And they were quick to take advantage of his failings.
Aiden's form suffered as every loss of possession was met by a chorus of harrumphs from large sections of the Celtic Park "faithful".
His nadir came in Bratislava, where his distressing performance in the shattering 5-0 defeat was topped by a horrendous miss in front of an open goal.
I said at the time that Aiden had to work harder on his weaknesses: his tendency to show too much of the ball to opponents; an unwillingness to put in a proper defensive shift when required; plus the glaring requirement to work like a beast in the gym and training ground to improve his strength and speed.
Lesser lads may have crumbled after such a setback. But Aiden, remember, has courage and stubborness.
Plus an impetuosity he displayed to good effect against Rangers in the back-to-back wins at Celtic Park last autumn which transformed Celtic's season.
Unfortunately, Aiden later followed up a match-winning performance against Motherwell at Fir Park by sustaining a serious injury. His season, to all intents and purposes, was over.
For an impatient lad like himself, the lengthy recuperation must have been tortuous. But it is clear that he used his time well.
Aiden is now clearly stronger and faster than he was last season. He has been Celtic's stand-out performer since July. And he has certainly played more than any other outfield player, barely missing a minute of the club's lengthy pre-season schedule.
In my opinion, he has been Celtic's man of the match in each of the first three league matches of the season.
His passes to set up Stilian Petrov's goals against Hearts and St Mirren were sublime. Aiden was desperately unlucky not to score against the Saints.
And his determination to chase back and tackle against Kilmarnock was exemplary. But much more of the same is needed.
There was a time when I feared Aiden would ultimately tumble into the dreaded "luxury player" category. A Saviola or Juninho Paulista, trusted only to attack and not defend. Claiming the right to operate only in the illusory "hole" between the forward line and midfield. Feigning indifference whenever opponents gain possession.
Such players are seldom trusted by more demanding managers who know that 11 men have more chance of winning a game than 10 and a half.
But Aiden McGeady is now in the Celtic team on merit as a fully-fledged midfielder. He is an essential component of Gordon Strachan's side, not a luxury.
His ball retention has improved. His end product has improved. His physique and pace has improved. His defending has improved.
In the absence of Shaun Maloney, Aiden has the chance to make himself an automatic first pick for Celtic this season. And for many seasons to come.
Now, ladies and gentleman, sit back and enjoy the show:
IT'S AIDEN TIME!

Celtic Bhoys prove they are World class

2006-05-22T10:35:00.000Z

AS you may just have noticed by now, I have enjoyed banging the drum on behalf of the remarkable bunch of youngsters who made up Celtic's Under-19 squad this season. I have tried to explain why this is the best crop of talented kids in a generation and also predicted that these young Bhoys can go all the way to the very top.
Now, from the unlikely setting of Belarus, comes proof that some of these lads could be truly world class. For six of them are in the Scotland squad which has qualified for the finals of the UEFA Under-19 Championships, to be held in Poland in the middle of July.
This is the first time in 20 years that Scotland have qualified for this event. Not only that, but they knocked out Europe's top-ranked team along the way.
Most of the current French squad won the European Under-17 title two years ago. Some of them were in the squad which won the European Under-19 title last year.
But after hammering Bulgaria 4-0, France could only draw 0-0 with Belarus, the hosts of this four-team mini qualifying tournament.
That left them needing to beat the Scots, who had chalked up 2-1 wins against Belarus and Bulgaria.
But the Euro champs were held to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling match held on Saturday in Minsk.
Hibs striker Steven Fletcher was the goal hero for Archie Gemmill's side, which included four Celts in the starting line-up.
Scott Cuthbert, as ever, was a tower of strength in central defence. Charlie Grant tackled everything that moved in central midfield, before shuttling the ball to either Michael McGlinchey on the right or Ryan Conroy on the left.
Simon Ferry, who had played earlier in the tournament and who set up Steven Fletcher's last-winute winner against Bulgaria, was on the bench. Sadly, he had struggled to shake off a groin injury he had picked up in the recent Youth Cup Final.
The only Celt not to see action was reserve keeper Scott Fox, due to the brilliant form of young Hibs goalie Derek McNeill.
Lee Wallace and Calum Elliott of Hearts, Gary Kenneth of Dundee United and Robert Snodgrass of Livingston also played, with Robert Cave-Brown of Norwich making up the starting 11.
But although the Celts have a total of one SPL substitute appearance between them so far, there is no doubt they are set to make a real impact in the first team squad within the next 12 to 18 months.
UEFA officials voted battling midfielder Charlie Grant the player of the mini-tournament. An incredible accolade, given the standard of opponents he faced.
Now the Scots go forward as one of the eight qualifiers for the finals in Poland. The Republic of Ireland - featuring Celts Darren O'Dea and Jim O'Brien - won't be there, as they lost two games in a row in Slovakia to be eliminated.
England probably won't be there either. All of which gives the Scots a great chance of finishing in the top four at the finals to qualify for next season's WORLD Under-20 Championships.
This wonderful success means that the six Celts will miss much of the club's pre-season training and will probably have to cancel their plans for a summer holiday.
But I hope everyone at the club will get behind them as they bid to prove something that I have suspected all along ...
That this batch of young Bhoys is truly WORLD CLASS!

Youth Cup Final: Celtic player ratings

2006-05-11T20:20:00.000Z

SCOTT FOX: A great game for the talented shot-stopper, who made crucial saves at crucial times - much as he has done all season. Young Scott reminds me of Jim Leighton in that he occasionally looks ungainly, but his talent is there for all to see. I was pleased to hear he has made it into the Scotland Under-19 squad, although he faces a battle to dislodge the Hibs keeper Derek McNeill, who had a sensational game against Celtic's youths earlier this season. Scott will have to work hard on his physique and his technique on cross balls. May benefit from a loan move to get some first-team experience in the First or Second Division.

PAUL CADDIS: Stricken by cramp late in extra-time, this talented attacking full back displayed great courage by continuing to give 100 per cent while clearly in pain. Didn't get forward as much as he usually does, mainly due to him being against a tough customer in Andrew Driver, who had destroyed Rangers at Murray Park in the cup quarter-finals. But on two or three occasions Paul showed the great skill and blistering pace that has made him a stand-out all season. A great wee player, but Hearts used that "wee" bit to their advantage, aiming a lot of their high balls to his flank. Paul slipped to give away a great chance to Mole in the first half, then the same player easily outjumped him for a free header in the second half. Paul has another season at this level, and it is to be hoped he has a growth spurt of Charlie Mulgrew proportions. Otherwise, he may have to consider a switch to a midfield role.

DEAN RICHARDSON: Not as flashy as some of the other Celts on display, but a solid and reliable customer who had one of his best games for the youth team until his tired header in 88 minutes set up the Hearts equaliser. That was unfair on the sturdy left back, who had been seldom troubled up to that point. Dean, however, doesn't have the pace or trickery of Caddis to make much impression further up the park. He will need to show total dedication to developing his physique, fitness and pace if he is to have a long career in the professional game. May well benefit from a loan move next season.

SCOTT CUTHBERT: He needed to be big and brave if Celtic were to withstand Hearts' aerial bombardment - and he was. Didn't miss a header all night and showed good pace and strength when the Edinburgh side tried to play the ball on the deck. Didn't hang about with his clearances - at one point actually clattering the ball off the roof of the South Stand. And at times his distribution could have been better. But the Scotland Under-19 captain is a fierce competitor who will undoubtedly force his way into the first team squad for the start of next season. One of the key men for the Celts in this final. An athletic stopper in the John Kennedy/Stephen McManus mould.

DARREN O'DEA: The Irish centre-back also needed to have a big game - and he did. Didn't miss a tackle, and competed well in the air. Some of his interventions were absolutely crucial. Big Darren had a couple of old-fashioned sclaffs along the way, and could do with a tad more composure in his clearances and distribution. But this fearless Bhoy is a born winner. Could perhaps do with a few months on loan to get first-team experience, but this is one player no striker would enjoy playing against.

CHARLIE GRANT: The cheer that went up when wee Charlie cemented the much-taller Calum Elliott in an aerial challenge summed up how quickly the large crowd had grown to appreciate this midfield battler's incredible tenacity. A real Man of the Match performance from this tigerish ball-winner, with the added bonus that his ball retention, passing and composure is also improving by the week. His incredible fitness was exemplified in the last minute of extra time when he won yet another tackle, then jinked inside a man before setting up Mark Millar for the clinching goal. Think Neil Lennon with more strength and pace, plus harder-tackling and even playing forward passes. A cert to be pushing for the first team squad at some point next season. And once he gets in, he'll stay there.

MICHAEL McGLINCHEY: A largely disappointing performance from the talented teenager, who got little change out of Hearts left back Lee Wallace when on the right of midfield, then started to suffer from cramp after being switched up front. But then he goes and snatches the all-important second goal! Michael is very talented, with two good feet and a bit of pace. But he is very small and slight - only slightly bigger than Maloney. He will need to follow Shaunaldinho's lead and work extremely hard in the gym and running track to get the strength and extra pace he'll need to make an impact against six-foot-plus defenders. Next season will be a crucial one for him.

SIMON FERRY: I was delighted that a sizeable crowd, plus TV viewers, got the chance to see why I have been raving about this brilliant midfielder all season. Hearts put a lot of effort into stopping him, yet he still bossed the game and made some quite brilliant runs. None better than the incredible effort that set up the opening goal. Found it hard at times because Hearts were playing a lot of back-to-front football, but was never slow to get back to help out his defence. Challenges for every ball in the air and is almost as hard a tackler as Grant. Tried to play on with a painful groin injury, but was forced off. And he earned a big plus in my book for being the first Celt to break off from the after-match celebrations to shake the hands of every one of the distraught Hearts players. I can find no reason why he shouldn't go straight into the first team squad for the start of next season. Why waste millions on a replacement for Petrov when the solution is staring us in the face?

TEODOR BJARNASON: A surprisingly poor 90 minutes for the big Icelandic player on the left of midfield, with many of his deft flicks finding maroon shirts. He wasn't helped by the fact the rest of the Celtic midfielders and forwards are predominantly right-footed, with their first instinct being to head for that wing. Battled away without seeing much of the ball, and got forward well to notch the first goal after superb work from Ferry. But Teddy came into his own at the centre of midfield in extra-time after wee "Si" limped off. A tremendous engine and bags of skill. May benefit from a wee loan spell to toughen him up. I reckon a few SPL clubs would be very interested in snapping him up.

JIM O'BRIEN: Non-stop effort from the big frontman, who ran his legs off for the cause without enjoying much luck in front of goal. It was no concidence that the two Hearts central defenders were struggling with cramp long before the end, having had to chase this rangy Bhoy for two hours. Didn't get a clear-cut chance but showed some wonderful skill and some great first touches. If he can work hard on his upper-body strength and convince Strachan that he has the hunger to make it to the top, big Jim could be starring for the first team before long.

PAUL McGOWAN: After the excitement of making the bench for the first team last Sunday, wee Gowser suffered a largely disappointing night as Celtic struggled to get forward with any fluency for long periods. Showed great skill and plenty of running, but made the wrong choice of pass on a few occasions and was generally outmuscled by the big Hearts defenders. Was a bit greedy towards the end of the 90 minutes when he tried a 20-yard chip when he had options right and left. Paul has made incredible progress this season but will have to do even more if he is to make the next step. Needs to work hard on his pace and physique and look to make an impression at Reserves level or out on loan next season.

MARK MILLAR: Capped off a fantastic season with a wonderful third goal which displayed his pace, skill and self-confidence. This 18-year-old lad has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few months, to the extent that he must have felt unlucky not to have made the starting 11. Showed great positivity on the right of midfield, repeatedly driving forward and showing no signs of being intimidated against his taller and broader opponents. Will surely take a stretch and fill out a bit over the next 12 months, and will be a key player for a totally new Under-19s squad next term. If he continues to progress at the rate he has done over the past six months, then Mark could go very far indeed.

RYAN CONROY: The tricky left winger transformed the game after coming on early in extra time. Beat his man time and again and put in several great crosses. Now in the Scotland Under-19 squad, but has a bit of work to do in the gym before he can expect to challenge for the first team. I wouldn't rule out seeing this talented lad at left back at some point next season.

DIARMUID O'CARROLL: Can't quite work out why the big kid from Killarney didn't start the game, as his no-nonsense style and physical presence made him ideal for this type of opposition. Didn't get much of a chance in the few minutes he was on the pitch. But big Dermo has been on fire lately for the Youths and Reserves, and I hope to see him make the breakthrough into the first team squad next season. Could well do his chances no end of good by shining while out on loan to an SPL side.

Subs not used: Paul Skinner (Irish goalkeeper), Andy Traub (Scottish-born centre-half)