Livingston 0-2 Celtic

Effectively Celtic's third team beat Livingston 2-0 at Almondvale with Kevin Cawley and Danny Lafferty scoring the goals.

VIDEO REPORT

With the first team squad calling up Paul Caddis and Cillian Sheridan, Willie McStay had to dig a bit deeper into his resources to face Livingston but once again came up with a win.

At this level winning is important, that's what is required of Celtic teams, but it's great to see the development in players and continual emergence of new faces that are ready to take their chance.

Into that category falls Ritchie Towell and Danny Lafferty. Towell is a central midfielder that adapted well at right back while Lafferty looks both commanding and imposing in the centre of defence whilst also showing a good eye for goal.

Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan again played with Gravesen looking out of touch as a sole striker during the first half with Riordan playing just off the Dane.

Michael McGlinchey and Mark Millar were kept busy in the first half and put in a power of work in the centre of the park tracking back and pushing forward.

The first half looked certain to end goal-less until Celtic took the lead two minutes from the break through Kevin Cawley.

Rocco Quinn threaded a great ball through for Cawley who, coming in off the left flank, showed a real striker's instinct and composure to slot the ball beyond Livi's trialist keeper as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do.

Simon Ferry replaced Gravesen at the break and Celtic really had to dig in and work hard for their win.

The second goal came in the 66nd minute when Scott Cuthbert headed down a Riordan corner, Cawlet sent the ball goalwards with Lafferty cheekily back healing the ball into the net.

I had my first look at Ryan Marshall in goals and he looked the part with a couple of good saves, one point blank header and another acrobatic effort that was touched over the bar.

I've no idea what age Marshall is but he's agile and looks a real natural keeper.

The reserves now head over to Ireland where they face Donegal Celtic in Belfast, Newry Town and Shelbourne.

VIDEO REPORT from Livi