This stage of the summer is always a fantastic chance for Celtic youth and B-team talents to catch the eye of the manager.
With pressure so intense throughout the competitive season it can be difficult for Brendan Rodgers to give consistent game time to emerging talents. It’s something Celtic should be doing more.
However, building fitness is the main concern ahead of a new campaign and Rodgers is more able to field unknown quantities and prospects with potential.
This is important because although nothing is on the line in matches, it’s still an opportunity for them to show their qualities and professionalism.
Rodgers used 23 players in Friday night’s match away to Ayr United and many of them were from the Academy or on the fringes of the squad.
Bosun Lawal and Dane Murray get Brendan Rodgers plaudits
Two of them have impressed Rodgers enough to be given public plaudits, signifying they have a shot at further minutes in a Celtic shirt.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, the Bhoys boss said: “I really like Bosun. He is a player that has got a lot of physical attributes. But what he has as well is a lot of football ability.
“He’s been out on loan and you can see he has had that experience and has that power and quality to break through. We saw that this evening. Really pleased for him.
“It’s great to see Dane Murray back. This is a young guy who I saw when he was first in the team at16, 17. Has had a horrendous time with injury but has come back. He’s physically a great size, moves well and I’m really pleased for him that he has got minutes on the field for Celtic.
“A lot of the other younger players to get that chance to come in and play. And like I said it is very important, as well as them developing their fitness, it’s shown they have the personality to come in and play for Celtic. That is always important for me for young players that they can come in and play with no fear, and go show that.”
With another match on the schedule against Queen’s Park and plenty of training preparation at Lennoxtown, the youngsters will have further opportunities to impress Rodgers ahead of the upcoming USA tour.
The best of the bunch will likely be on the plane with the rest of the squad and that’s an experience that can help bridge the gap into the senior side moving forward into the season proper.
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