Richie Towell's 'Iron Man' challenge

Dublin kid Richie Towell is hoping that the 'Iron Man' contest can help push him into Tony Mowbray's first team plans.

Once a week the Celtic Academy squad is put through a punishing schedule of weight-lifting, running the treadmill and cycling as they arm themselves for the future.

Playing the beautiful game will always be the priority but being as physically prepared as possible is essential to succeed in the modern game.

Towell (pictured left after winning the 2008 Glasgow Cup) said: "On a Tuesday or Thursday we do our 'Iron Man' training which is hard work but beneficial.

"We see who can lift the most in the gym, then run on the treadmill and finish up with some cycling and at the end you get an overall score.

"These things give you an edge and you feel better on the park. The day after isn't too bad and on a Friday training is usually quite light because we mainly work on set-pieces for the weekend match.

"I'm loving my football at the moment. I've moved up to training with the reserves but play for the 19s to add a bit of experience.

ENJOYING

"The results have been great this season and everyone is enjoying their football. Training is all about working on the ball and passing quickly to penetrate defences. We're getting the benefits of that when we're playing as the results show.

"Everyone wants to get on the ball and work on their skills. There are a lot of good players at the club and the scouts are bringing in lots of talented boys as well."

Towell has been playing at right-back this season and is beginning to feel comfortable in the role although he misses the cut and thrust of centre midfield.

Sunday's 6-0 win over Brora Rangers in the SFA Youth Cup was an exception however with Towell charging forward at every opportunity.

The 18-year-old is in his third season at Celtic after signing from Crumlin United in Dublin and scored for the reserve side as a 16-year-old.

BREAKTHROUGH

Making the first-team breakthrough is the goal of everyone in the Celtic Academy with Towell hoping that his opportunity isn't far away.

He added: "I'm training with the reserve side now and we usually have a game on a Monday or Tuesday.

"I'm happy with my form and know that it's upto me to impress the coaching staff. Playing for Celtic is my priority and I'm happy with how things are progressing.

"This season I've played mostly at right-back and I'm getting used to that role although I prefer playing in centre midfield.

"At right-back I can get on the ball and push forward which I enjoy doing, I've played there for Ireland so it's not new to me."

Celtic have a new management team in charge of the u-17 and u-19 set up with former Aberdeen and Hibs defender overseeing the development of the professional side of the club's Academy.

HEARTS

Working exclusively with the u-19 squad is Stevie Frail who had a spell in charge of Hearts before taking up the Celtic job earlier this year.

Winning is an essential element in the development of players with Frail pleased with the attitude and performances from his side this season.

Despite the ease of the win over Brora Frail ensured that his players gave 100% commitment till the final whistle.

He said: "For a right-back Richie's performance against Brora was great. He's doing well in the position and suits the way that we like to play.

"In the modern game full-backs are essential. Ritchie has the edge and fitness to his game to get up and down, we encourage our full-backs to overlap.

"His pace is good and right to the end of the match we were encouraging him forward. In the 85th minute and six goals up we were still asking him to run at their full-backs."

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