Celtic's U23 side got their Premier League International Cup campaign off to the best possible start with a 3-0 win away to Aston Villa.

An U23 competition is a bit of a rarity these days but it allowed Logan Bailly, Gary Mackay-Steven and Dedryck Boyata to get a game under their belt.

At the other end of the age scale Jack Aitchison was on the scoresheet, highlighting the promise of the 16-year-old striker.

Last night's win was fairly emphatic, with the Celtic 'kids' in control from early on, getting among the goals and almost as importantly keeping a clean sheet.

Next week the Celtic U23s visit Norwich in the PLIC with the details of the final match against Valencia still to be confirmed.

Here we look at five Celtic kids with a chance of making it into Brendan Rodgers' first team picture...

JAMIE MCCART

Wore the armband last night, playing alongside Dedryck Boyata in central defence.

His progress accelerated greatly last season, earning him a place on the pre-season trip to Slovenia.

Jamie is more of a sweeper than centre half, taking the ball out of defence and playing to feet.

He will probably go out on loan in January, but getting the right club is essential if he is to return to Celtic closer to a first team place.

JACK AITCHISON

Scoring with his first touch on his debut against Motherwell last season could become a milestone to his development.

The jump from U17 football to the Development League is a tough one to manage but Aitchison has the ability and attitude to handle the step up.

With his eye for goal he can play up front, on his own or alongside another striker. Jack scored the second goal last night.

LUKE DONNELLY

Two goals last night showed what he is capable of but injuries, mainly related to growing pains, have badly hampered his progress.

A loan stint at East Stirling two seasons ago worked wonders but was followed by another season dogged by injury.

Now on loan at Alloa he is getting the game time his career needs, whether that can be converted into a Celtic first team place remains to be seen. The talent is there.

ANTHONY RALSTON

Like McCart, he has had a look in at the first team under Rodgers and probably needs to go out on loan in January.

His development went into overdrive last season on loan at Queens Park but was hampered by injury after returning in the new year.

He has all the attributes to be a top class full-back, being around Rodgers and his coaching team can nourish those qualities.

CALVIN MILLER

Struggled at times last season, playing as the sole striker in the Development League but hopefully that experience can be put to good use.

Playing alongside Jack Aitchison last night allowed both strikers to be more expressive and build a partnership rather than just sniffing around solo.

Miller probably isn't an out and out striker, his game has more to offer with his delivery from the flanks more accurate than others who prefer playing a percentage game.