Friday, 2 April 2010

Matty Hughes prepares for double challenge

Youth team skipper Matty Hughes is primed for a double head-to-head with Rangers.
Tomorrow at Murray Park (kick-off 1pm) Celtic face their Ibrox counterparts with the teams neck and neck in the league and meeting in the final of the SFA Youth Cup.
Celtic go into the match four points ahead of Rangers who have two games in hand with the the finishing line in sight.
Both teams are on the back of winning their SFA Youth Cup semi final clashes with Hughes looking to inspire his side to victory.
"This is a massive game for us, we know that we need to win to push on for the league," admitted the former Rochdale defender.
"We have got business to settle with Rangers after they beat us at home last month, we're switched on for it after enjoying our win against Livingston.
"Both teams are in the same position looking at a potential double, it's make or break on Saturday and hopefully it will go our way, we're going into the match positively.
"We're playing really well just now. The coaching staff has got us going and the team has bonded really well, there's a great togetherness and that's what's pushing us through to the end of the season."
Hughes missed the first half of the season through injury but was given the captain's armband when he returned in February and has formed an instant partnership in central defence with Declan Gallagher.
Last season was something of a write-off for the young Englishman due to injury but after regaining full fitness he's loving the cut and thrust of the double chase.
Hughes added: "I injured my ankle ligaments in pre-season then came back after the winter break in a few friendly matches and played against Dundee United in the quarter-final of the SFA Youth Cup.
"The injury was frustrating but we have a great medical staff that have worked with me and gave me some light at the end of the tunnel.

"They made sure that I came back when I was ready and now there are a couple of big prizes to play for.
"It's been a while since we were in a cup final, that was the target when we started in the competition.
"The team was on fire at the start of the season but I've got a good level of fitness and hope to keep pushing on till the end of the season."

Hughes added: "I need to keep pushing forward now in my career and get established in the reserve side and go further.

"I've been at Celtic for 18 months and it seems to have flown by, I've enjoyed it thoroughly and see my future here."

SPL u-19 table

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