Double delight for Richie Towell

Richie Towell was the Dub with the double last night as Celtic's U19 side beat Rangers 2-0 at Hampden Park to clinch the SFA Youth Cup.

Second-half goals from substitutes Sean Fitzharris and Filip Twardzik made it a memorable night for the young Celts, who were cheered on by the majority of the 7,579 fans after clinching the SPL title at the weekend.

"It was brilliant, it's been an unbelievable season," Towell admitted.

"Everyone put in a shift over the season and the two substitutes came on and won the cup for us.

"Before the game they were a bit disappointed not to be starting.

"Sean's head went down when the side was announced, he wants to play every game. Filip was the same, but the lads got behind each other and we got our rewards.

"We didn't play as well as we could in the first half but I felt that we dominated Rangers in the second half.

"Our fans were brilliant. They outsung the Rangers fans all through the game and were like a 12th man.

"When the goals went in it was an amazing feeling. Two years ago I lost in this final to Rangers, so this was very sweet. My family and a few friends flew over for the match, it was great to celebrate with them."

Towell has split his season between the U19 side and the development/ reserve squad under the guidance of first-team interim boss Neil Lennon.

Despite his first-team commitments and having to prepare for the Alkmaar friendly, Lennon played an active part in the youth's team success.

U19 coach Stevie Frail said: "Neil had a word with the players before the game. We had our team talk at Celtic Park, Neil and Mr (Peter) Lawwell (Celtic's CEO) spoke to the players.

"Neil was really inspiring. He's done it as a player, he told them to enjoy the experience and come back with the cup."

Evening Herald interview