Francis Turley, an 18-year-old midfielder from Celtic’s B team, scored his first senior goal in a friendly match against Queens Park, bringing a ray of light to the team. It is always a positive sign to witness young talents like Turley seizing their opportunities, especially when paired with strong performances from other academy players. This infusion of energy and creativity from the B team could inject new life into the first team, an aspect that manager Brendan Rodgers seems interested in exploring further.
The second-half goal by Turley was a result of excellent teamwork, involving academy players such as Josh Dede, Mitch Robertson, and Kyle Ure. The decision to make mass substitutions around the hour mark to introduce young talents indicates Rodgers’ serious consideration of these players not only for their potential in the future but also for their immediate contributions to the upcoming season.
However, one noticeable absence from the preseason line-ups was Daniel Kelly. The speculation surrounding his future and the potential for a free transfer departure in January raise concerns about his place in Rodgers’ plans. It is essential for Celtic to address Kelly’s situation promptly to prevent losing a promising talent without gaining any benefits in return. Resolving these uncertainties is crucial to maintaining a cohesive and competitive team structure as the new season approaches.