Celtic youth side prepare for title clincher

Stevie Frail has invited the Celtic support into Lennoxtown tomorrow as the u-19 side look to clinch the SPL title.

A draw against Aberdeen tomorrow will be enough to give Celtic the championship but after seven straight wins the young hoops are looking to keep their momentum going ahead of Wednesday's SFA Youth Cup Final with Rangers on Wednesday.

The league could be clinched this afternoon if Rangers fail to win at Dundee United but regardless of that result Frail is looking for another winning performance from his side against Aberdeen.

He said: "We've had a great week in training and all of the players are looking forward to this match, Saturday can't come quickly enough for them.

"They've been sharp and lively and are confident with the run of wins that they've had.

"It would be great to see a few more supporters along to see what's coming through at the club.

"Supporters like to identify players that are coming through the ranks and this group are progressing well."

Over the season Celtic have lost just twice in the league and responded to their last defeat, 2-1 at home to Rangers, by embarking on their current seven match winning run.

Alongside that they have beaten Threave Rovers, Brora Rangers, Dundee United and Livingston to reach the final of the SFA Youth Cup.

The squad has been changed frequently throughout the season with competition for places in every area of the park.

As well as players brought through the ranks from the traditional scouting areas of Scotland and Ireland the side has been able to call upon Italian goalkeeper Daniele Giordano and midfielder Filip Twardzik from the Chech Republic.

Last Saturday Celtic beat Hibs 2-0 to inch closer to the title with James Forrest returning to the side alongside Darren McCauley.

Competition for places in midfield and in attack is especially fierce with a dozen or more players competing for six places.

Every manager likes to be confronted with options when he picks his side with Frail no exception.

He added: "There are loys of factors that come into picking the team, we look at the boys in training, consider our opponents and how we fared in the last match.

"Grant Gallagher missed out through injury last week and Darren McCauley stepped into midfield, up front it was good to have James Forrest back after more than a month being out injured.

"We've got strong competition for places and that's what every coach is looking for, they all want to play and there's a cup final coming up as well.

"No-one is looking too far ahead and all of our thoughts or on Aberdeen.

"They beat Rangers last week and will want to finish the season on a high.

"Players have got contracts to play for as well as their own pride, we had Aberdeen watched on Tuesday when they drew with St Mirren and we know that they will be tough opponents.

"We started the season well with a 2-0 win at Aberdeen and the same sort of result on Saturday would be great."