Paradise Progress

Tommy McIntyre is delighted that so many Academy players have been recognised with first-team football.

- Jo Hendry

THERE was a nail-biting end to a hectic campaign for Celtic’s Unders-20s who had to settle for third place in the SPFL Development League after taking it to the wire in the last week of the season.

It was a hard-fought league campaign, underpinned by a gruelling European and domestic cup schedule, and despite disappointment in the league, there was delight in the Scottish Youth Cup as the young Celts lifted the trophy for the 15th time in the club’s history following a comfortable 3-0 victory over Rangers in the final.

Despite mixed results across the campaign, U20s coach Tommy McIntyre believes the season was a success due to the number of youth players who made the step up to feature in Celtic’s first team. In an exclusive interview with the Celtic View, McIntyre said: “It’s all about how you measure success and success for us should always be about players’ progression.

“Whether they’re coming from the under-17s up to the Development Squad, or from Development up to the periphery of the first team, I think that’s the key indicator. It’s nice to win things, and it was nice to win the Scottish Youth Cup. It was also nice to be part of the UEFA Youth League and the Premier League International Cup.

“But I think if you take into account the number of players that have been either training with the first team or making their debut, then it’s been great. Players like Mikey Johnston, Anthony Ralston, Conor Hazard, Jack Aitchison and Calvin Miller who’ve all been involved with the first team this season has been great for us. I think when you look at it from that perspective, then it’s been highly successful.”