Some Celtic fans have high praise for youngster Scott Robertson, who made his first-team debut for the club in last night’s 2-0 loss to Cluj in the UEFA Europa League (BBC).
Even though Neil Lennon’s men lost the game in Romania on Thursday, they will go through into the next round of the competition by finishing at the top of the group. Lazio also failed to win their last game, losing 2-0 to Rennes.
But the game against Cluj saw Celtic field some younger players and second or third-fiddle men. This included young Scott Robertson, as the 18-year-old made his first-team debut while playing in midfield.
Celtic fans: Should Roberton play more often in the first-team?
One game doesn't prove much
He's made for the first-team
Some Celtic fans are impressed by the youngster’s performance and they feel he’s the real deal.
Scott Robertson – we’ve got a player there. One of the best debuts I’ve seen from a young player. To play the way he did in the centre of the park speaks volumes for his ability but also the football education he’s so evidently had. Karamoko we know will be good.
— Raymiedoc (@2021vision) December 12, 2019
Scott looked good. Played with his head up and wanted the ball all the time. The future’s bright, the future’s green and white. ??????????
— Kenny T (@indy_kenny) December 12, 2019
Scott Robertson was terrific. Great experience also for Karamoko Dembele. Future is looking bright indeed.
— Chris (@chris91q) December 12, 2019
Well done the coaches and the players for their first class attitude .
HAIL HAIL bhoys— Brexit is coming (@DerrickMenzies) December 12, 2019
Keeping going bhoys . Welcome to the first team , future stars to wear the hoops on glorious days and nights HH
— Will75 (@Will752) December 12, 2019
Youngsters did well, got to dip your toe in to test the water.
— Graham (@GRAHAMS83057901) December 12, 2019
Celtic looked lightweight against a physical Cluj team. Griffiths looks pretty sharp but had zero service from wide. Johnston a threat. Morgan not strong enough in possession. Young lad Robertson has cruised it so far neat & tidy. A few others not giving NL any food for thought.
— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) December 12, 2019
It wasn’t just a first-team debut for Robertson, but young Karamoko Dembele also made his first European appearance for the club at the tender age of 16.
Robertson, though, played in defensive midfield against Cluj. He won one interception, winning a total of two aerial duels for the club. The Scotsman also completed all two of his total dribbles, coming back with a 100% dribbling accuracy. The youngster also played a total of 73 passes in the game- more than anyone else on the pitch.
While this was Robertson’s first appearance for the senior side, he had played three times in the Challenge Cup for the club’s Reserves side last season. During the tournament, he scored once and that goal came in the club’s loss to Falkirk on penalties in the second round of the competition.
What do we think?
Getting a full game is huge for any youngster. Especially the fact that it came in the Europa League, it makes it even more special for Robertson. The loss will teach him a lot about the first-team and will do loads to his confidence and he has to carry it forward into the appearances he makes in the future.