Ange Postecoglou’s promise to Celtic supporters when he first walked through the doors of Parkhead was to give more opportunities to younger players.That was a policy that had deserted Neil Lennon during his final campaign in charge with promising prodigies like Karamoko Dembele failing to earn many regular minutes.Dembele is still yet to feature under the new boss but that has been down to injury, rather than Postecoglou’s selection policy.The Australian has handed chances to Dane Murray and Adam Montgomery, however, as he strives to live up to his opening day insight.It’s an exciting time to be in the Celtic academy with the club’s B team enjoying life in the Lowland League.Owen Moffat is one player who’s really caught the eye at that level, scoring five goals in one game against Vale of Leithen.Another player on the score sheet that day was 15-year-old Rocco Vata as the Bhoys won 10-0.The son of Celtic cult hero Rudi Vata, the teenager is already playing way above his level and is thriving.Unseen in the Celtic first team, Vata has come on leaps and bounds during the 2021/22 campaign.He has also scored against Berwick this term and has featured in the Republic of Ireland youth set up on a regular basis.The youngster is a dynamic winger and based on his tricky qualities, he could become a new Dembele to Celtic.Three years his junior, Vata has made some positive strides in the last few months and is doing everything he can to make a statement to Postecoglou.After finding the net with a powerful effort against Berwick, writer Owen Brown commented: “Vata, at right wing, was a bit more direct, quick and a goal threat.â€Those quick and direct attributes were in evidence when he played for Celtic's U18s in the Scottish FA Youth Cup vs East Fife.Vata turned his first man with ease and then beat another defender all ends up with pace before supplying a ball to the back post that was fired home.
In that instance, the 15-year-old demonstrated why there is so much hype around him.
He is incredibly quick and he can hold off a defender by using his brute force. If he continues to put in similar performances, a first-team call-up could be on the cards in the future. Vata certainly has the heritage at Parkhead.