New look Celtic youth side keep on winning

Filip Twardzik and Michael Ordish scored the goals to defeat Hearts 2-0 at Riccarton today to end the u-19 season in style with a ten game winning run.

The Hampden hero's were given the day off after their midweek exertions with the u-17 side given a valuable warm up ahead of Wednesday's Glasgow Cup Final clash with Rangers at Broadwood.

"We wanted to win this match, there was pressure on the players coming in," coach Stevie Frail said. "We're on a great winning run and it was good to get another clean sheet.

"That was our under-17 side coming in against a Hearts side that have five or six regulars who have played all season. We're really pleased with them it was a great result.

"This is a fantastic end to a great season, we won the league last Friday but have gone on to win the last two matches without losing a goal.

"We've won the league well this season but we got the points today and that keeps the gap at the top the same.

Filip Twardzik captained the side which included his brother Patrick with the entire team, except for full-back Stephen O'Donnell, all members of the u-17 squad.

It was a shaky start to the match by the new look defence but there was a familiar ring to the opening goal from Twardzik.

Liam Gourlay's corner from the right was met at by the end of 
Twardzik who sent a looping header back across goal and under the bar to put Celtic in front.

Celtic were down to ten men when Ordish clinched the points with 15-year-old Islam Ferrez hobbling off with cramp in the 84th minute.

Pressure from Kieron Brennan forced the Hearts keeper into a rushed clearance that fell to Ordish 30 yards from goal with the substitute striking the ball first time into the empty net.

CELTIC: Robbie Thomson; Stephen O'Donnell, John Young, Curtis Jones, Filip Twardzik; Patrick Twardzik (Kieron Brennan), Islam Ferruz, Liam Madden, Callum McGregor; Liam Gourlay (Jordan Moffat), Paul George (Michael Ordish) 
SUBS Connor Fairley, John Herron, Mo Yakub, Joe Chalmers

Super subs Fitzharris and Twardzik win the cup for Celtic

A wondergoal from Sean Fitzharris swung the SFA Youth Cup Final Celtic's way as the young hoops sealed the u-19 double.

After a less than memorable first half the second half turned out to be much more lively with substitutes Fitzharris and Filip Twardzik turning the game Celtic's way.

Goalkeeper Danielle Giordano played a massive part in the win with a point blank save from Archie Campbell just four minutes before Fitzharris's opener.

"We felt that if we played as we can we would win," coach Stevie Frail explained afterwards. "But in cup finals, especially an Old Firm match, it's about who can handle the occassion, who has the bottle and mental strength.

"In the second half we showed exactly what we've had all season. You need determination and desire to succeed, it's not only about silky soccer and we tell the players that.

"We should have played better tonight on a good surface but nerves and the way cup finals go had an impact.

"Winning trophies helps players to develop. If we finish in mid-table at u-19s and don't win a cup then I don't think that we're going to have many players good enough to get a first team chance.

"We want to be successful by playing in the right way. Without being blase a lot of the stuff that we've played this season has been excellent."

Despite having the balance of possession in the first half Celtic failed to carve out any meaningful chances.

Greig Spence cut an isolated figure up front with only some bursts from James Forrest down the left flank causing Rangers any concern.

Spence forced a good save out of Grant Adams four minutes into the second half but the game really livened up in the 54th minute when Giordano pulled off a fantastic instinctive save from Campbell.

"I think that was the turning point in the game," Frail added. 
"Their striker hit it well but it was a reaction save and we went up the park and scored.

"Strikers and scorers get the praise and headlines, rightly so because it's difficult putting the ball in the net but Danielle had a fantastic save tonight."

Shortly after that save Fitzharris replaced the injured Darren McCauley with the substitute making an incredible impact within two minutes of coming on.

Coming in off the left flank with little in the way of options the substitute let rip with a fierce dipping shot that flew across Adams into the far corner of the net.

"Jordan Lowden wanted me to pass the ball and was ready to shout at me but it was great to find the net," the goalscorer explained.

"I'm not going to lie, I was devastated to be on the bench tonight. From the bench I had a desire to get on and do something but to score a goal like that was amazing.

"There was a bit of luck involved in it but it was a great feeling to find the net.

"As soon as I got on the park I forgot about being dropped and concentrated on playing my game.

"You can't argue with the manager's decisions. We've got quality throughout the whole squad, myself and Filip came on and scored the two goals."

Even by their own high standards the noise coming from the Green Brigade increased after Fitzharris's goal with Celtic starting to play with an extra level of confidence.

In the 68th minute Spence went off suffering from cramp with substitute Twardzik waiting three minutes before nodding home an inswinging free-kick from James Keatings.

Rangers never really looked like getting back into the match but they were given no encouragement from the Celtic defence marshalled by skipper Matty Hughes and Deccy Gallagher in front of the impressive Giordano.

After the presentations and celebrations had died down a little Frail explained the decision to bench Fitzharris despite the key role that he had played in securing the title.

The hoops coach added: "Players worry about themselves, I have to worry and think about the squad. We know that Sean can play, it was a hard decision to leave him out because he did very well against Rangers at Murray Park a few weeks ago.

"I could see on Tuesday that he was dissapointed, I would expect nothing else. We picked the team, he was part of the squad, he took it on board and didn't sit and sulk.

"He was around the team and when we asked him to go and do it he delivered. It was a fantastic goal and he was brought down for the free-kick that led to the second goal."

On Friday Celtic complete their domestic campaign away to Hearts in the SPL.

CELTIC: Giordano; Towell, Hughes, G Gallagher (S O'Donnell 89), Lowdon; Bagshaw, G Gallagher, McCauley (Fitzharris 56); Keatings, Spence (F Twardzik 68), Forrest. SUBS Kennedy, McGregor

RANGERS: Adams; Durie (McCausland 77), Cole (Wiktorski 83), Scott, Wylde; Ness (Dick 63), McGeouch, Hutton, McCabe; Campbell, Naismith SUBS Weir, Wright.

Some great pictures from the match

Totally mental celebration picture! 

Patrik Twardzik earns Celtic a draw with Brondby

Patrik Twardzik scored for Celtic in their 1-1 draw with Bronby in the Emirates 7's this morning.

Details are sketchy about the match which kicked-off at 10.20am local time.

Celtic will be back in action at 15.06pm against Leeds United before facing AC Milan at 17.43pm.

Unfortunately the Celtic Legends went down 3-0 to a Paolo di Canio inspired AC Milan in the opening match of the tournament.

Di Canio scored twice as Milan raced into a 3-0 lead but local bhoy Derek Whyte wasn't put off by the result.

"Playing against someone like di Canio in 93 degree heat at breakfast time isn't the best start to the day," he admitted.

"We pulled things together a bit better in the second half and we're looking forward to the other matches.

"Sean Sweeney made his Celtic debut and did well, the boys are enjoying the other matches and we'll be looking to bounce back against the English sides."

I'll be trying to keep upto date with the results throughout the day with the Celtic Legends side facing Manchester United and Chelsea.
Emirates 7's schedule.

Twardzik twins lead the Celtic squad to Dubai

Filip and Patrik Twardzik are included in the Celtic squad that flew out today to take part in the Emirates 7's in Dubai.

Some of the world's best young players will be taking part in the Emirates 7's over the next few days with Celtic taking a cosmopolitan squad out to the event with a strong contingent from the club's recent scouting activities in the North West of England.

Matty Hughes and Johny Marsden are included in the squad as well as former Stockport County players Curtis Jones and Michael Ordish who have been on the fringes of the u-19 side in recent weeks.

Also included with the squad that flew out with Stevie Frail today is goalkeeper Connor Fairley, Jordon Lowdon, Greig Spence and u17's Callum McGregor and Ryan Hutchison.

Celtic face Brondby, Leeds United and AC Milan on Friday with the legends facing Paolo Maldini and his AC Milan friends in their opening group match.

Former Scotland u-21 captain Sean Sweeney (who used to add CFC to his autograph, because he played for Clydebank) makes an appearance as a Celtic legend while Rangers have swooped for former Dundee United madman Davie Bowman and Zoran Mirkovich who is a pal of Gordan Petric.

Emirates 7's website

Full match report: Dundee United 4-5 Celtic- Twardzik is the goal hero

by Joe McHugh Celtic's u-19 side showed great character to recover from being 4-1 down to beat Dundee United 5-4 to book a place in the semi final's of the SFA Youth Cup.

Filip Twardzik was the 88th minute hero to clinch the tie with Greg Spence, substitute Sean Fitzharris and two goal James Forrest also on the scoresheet.

Stevie Frail's side looked dead and buried when the homeside went 4-1 up early in the second-half but inspired by Fitzharris and Forrest switching to the left wing Celtic refused to give up and were rewarded in the end.

Even allowing for the fact that they hadn't played a competitive game in two months it was a below par first-half performance from Celtic that United capitalised on to go in front.

Frail admitted: "We just didn't turn up for the first half and that was a real disappointment. We started sloppily then scored the first goal, lost an equaliser and that set us back.

"To be 3-1 down at half-time was a real sickener but it was all that we deserved. We had to rally them at half-time and told them that the next goal was all important!

"It was important because after going 4-1 down we could have gone one way or the other. Thankfully they dug in to win, I'm really pleased with them and proud of their performance."

There were wholesale changes to the defence with only Declan Gallacher playing in his usual role in the centre alongside captain Matt Hughes returning from injury.

Grant Gallacher moved over to right-back with Jordon Lowden replacing Kieron Brennan at left back in front of Andy Kennedy who took over in goals from Danielle Giordano.

Richie Towell moved from right back to centre midfield alongside former Derry City man Darren McCauley who was making his competitive debut. Twardzik started in front of the midfield with the usual forward selection of Forrest on the right, James Keatings on the left and Greg Spence through the centre.

In the eighteenth minute Celtic created their first chance of the day when Forrest and Twardzik opened up the home defence but Forrest's cross from the left was just too high for Spence in the six yard box.

Three minutes later Celtic went in front when United keeper Marc McCallum failed to hold a low drive from Lowdon with Spence perfectly placed to tuck away the rebound.

Unfortunately the lead only lasted two minutes with Kennedy at fault as Ross Smith outjumped him to a header in the six yard box following a cross from the left.

Within ten minutes Celtic managed to lose two more goals with Scott Allen powering in a great shot from 18 yards out before Dale Hilson shook off the Celtic defence before firing his low shot past Kennedy at the keeper's near post.

Celtic did come back into the match as the half closed with Keatings heading wide from six yards out following a cross from Declan Gallacher after the home side had failed to clear a corner from Forrest on the left.

For the second half Celtic made one change with Fitzharris replacing Lowden. Fitzharris moved into right midfield with Forrest swapping over to the left and Twardzik dropping to left-back.

It looked to be all over in the 52nd minute when Michael Lee chipped Kennedy from 25 yards but two minutes later Fitzharris pulled a goal back when he netted on the half volley after Declan Gallacher nodded down a long throw from Towell.

Celtic were back in the game now with a fighting chance with the time wasting of the home side galvanising Frail's side with Fitzharris's direct running upsetting the United back four.

Fitzharris was at the heart of the action in the 64th minute when his shot was parried by McCallum with Forrest happy to net from the rebound.

United captain Smith was substituted suffering from cramp while Celtic sent on striker Johny Marsden to replace McCauley as they chased an equaliser.

Twardzik failed to make the most of a couple of inswinging free kicks from the right delivered with his left foot but he was to make ammends for that spectacularly before the end!

United coach Stevie Campbell was getting increasingly anxious as his side dropped deeper and deeper with his fears realised in the 86th minute when Forrest netted from a loose ball in the box although Spence was hovering around and attempting to put in a claim for the goal.

The homeside could have been back in front in the 87th minute but Kennedy produced a good block as the United bench screamed for a penalty which required the intervention of the referee before the corner could be taken.

Celtic broke quickly from the corner with Forrest releasing the ball to Twardzik as four Celtic players raced across the halfway line. Twardzik teed up Marsden for a shot at goal but when the keeper blocked the substitute's shot Twardzik kept his cool to drill the ball low into the net before being mobbed by celebrating team-mates.

After recent events it was a relief to see Celtic hold out through five minutes of additional time with Frail delighted by the attitude shown by his players.

He said: "We know that we have got good footballers but when you come to tough places like this you have to battle and scratch.

"When you wear a Celtic jersey, whatever level it is at, teams want to beat you. A lot of our players are aware of that having come through the system at the club from an early age.

"At 4-1 they rolled their sleeves up, got the second goal, and although there was still a long way to go they came back to win 5-4 and I was very pleased for them."

CELTIC: Kennedy, G Gallacher, Hughes, D Gallacher, Lowdon; Forrest, Towell, McCauley, Twardzik; Forrest, Spence, Keatings SUBS Fitzharris (Lowdon 46) Marsden (McAuley69)

Goals: Spence 21, Fitzharris 54, Forrest 64 & 86, Twardzik 88

Last gasp Twardzik gives Celts 5-4 win to book semi-final place

Filip Twardzik was the last gasp hero as Celtc's u-19 side came from 4-1 down to beat Dundee United 5-4 in the quarter-final of the SFA Youth Cup.

Celtic had taken the lead through Geg Spence in the 21st minute but found themselves 4-1 down early in the 

second half before the comeback of the season.

Substitute Sean Fitzharris pulled a goal back in the 54th minute with James Forrest netting ten minutes later.

Forrest equalised in the 86th minute but before extra-time could be contemplated Twardzik, who had played the second-half at left-back scored to put Celtic into the semi finals.

CELTIC: Kennedy, G Gallacher, Hughes, D Gallacher, Lowdon; Forrest, Towell, McCauley, Twardzik; Forrest, Spence, Keatings SUBS Fitzharris (Lowdon 46) Marsden (McAuley69)

Goals: Spence 21, Fitzharris 54, Forrest 64 & 86, Twardzik 88
                                                       CLICK HERE for full match report

Twardzik Bhoys on target as Celts win 6-0

Celtic's u-19 side put in a great professional performance today to beat Brora Rangers 6-0 and win a place in the last eight of the SFA Youth Cup.

The Highland League side had a difficult afternoon as Stevie Frail's side bounced back from their only defeat of the season last week when they lost 2-1 away to Dundee United.

In truth the margin of victory should have been greater with Celtic failing to convert their first half superiority into goals with only strikes from Declan Gallagher and Jordan Lowdon separating the sides at the interval.

Two quick goals at the start of the second half from Lowdon and Filip Twardzik put the tie beyond doubt with Patrik Twardzik and substitute Johny Marsden completing the scoring in the last ten minutes.

Despite putting the game well beyond Brora, Celtic never let up with their controlled passing game troubling their opponents throughout.

Right-back Richie Towell put in a power of work up and down the right flank where he supported Patrik Twardzik with Brora offering little in an attacking sense.

"It was a pleasing win after the disappointment of losing last week," admitted Frail. "It was good to get over that and to score six goals.

"Fair play to Brora, they stuck at it, but it was obviously a step up in class for them. We were hoping for more goals but they worked hard to keep the score down.

ATTITUDE

"The big thing today was attitude and the players were spot on. They enjoyed themselves, we expect them to work hard, they did that and did well on the ball from first whistle to last.

Frail added: "To be brutally honest we were a bit disappointed to be just two up at half-time, we had chances to be further ahead if we had played a little bit better. We're satisfied but there is always room for improvement.

"Jordan (Lowdon) did well with his two goals, it's been difficult for him to break into the team because they players that are in have been doing well.

"I felt that he got better and stronger as the game went on which is pleasing for him.

"We need to have depth and players to come in, we have had a few injuries with James Forest and Callum Bagshaw out."

Without going overboard the quality of football being produced by the u-19s is very encouraging.

All of the players are comfortable on the ball, they pass and turn with ease, control the ball with their first touch and have a good grasp of the basic skills.

Developing youths with potential into first-team players is the task for everyone at Celtic.

The drop out rate for players between the ages of 17 and 21 is terrifying but the level of skill and resources currently spent on development has never been higher.

CONTRIBUTION

Only Aiden McGeady, Stephen McManus and Shaun Maloney have come through the ranks in the last decade to make a serious contribution to Celtic although others have made an impact before moving on elsewhere.

Pushing through a batch of players ready to win in Scotland and compete in the Champions League is very demanding but Frail and the coaching team won't compromise their demands and beliefs.

Frail added: "We have to win games, make no mistake about that, we don't apologise about that but we have to do that with a style.

"That's the way that Celtic teams have won in the past. We have to develop players and be winning, players have to step up into the reserves and be ready to do the job required.

"We're reasonably happy with how the season has gone so far."

Next Saturday the u-19's face St Mirren at home in the league before stopping for a winter break with another home match against Aberdeen.

CELTIC: Kennedy; Towell, G Gallagher, D Gallagher, Brennan; F Twardzik (McDonnell 69), Santonocito, Lowdon; Keatings (Ordish 59), Spence (Marsden 59), P Twardzik. SUBS: Witeman, Jones

Feel free to add comments or questions below

Youths on form as they beat Hamilton 4-0

Filip Twardzik was the star of the show as Celtic's u-19 side beat Hamilton Accies 4-0 today.

It was the second week running that the 19's had scored four goals with confidence growing throughout the team as they continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Four wins have come either side of four consecutive draws but there was quality and purpose about the side today with a number of players vying with Twardzik for star billing.

The 16-year-old from the Czech Republic scored the final goal of the afternoon in the 81st minute but almost notched a memorable strike 6 minutes earlier when his shot from the halfway line was inches away from embarrassing the Hamilton keeper.

Twardzik had to wait until the 80th minute to get his reward when he found the net showing the desire that managers demand of modern midfielders.

Filip started the move, passing to his brother Patrik but as he took a heavy challenge from a Hamilton defender the ball broke to Michael Ordish whose low cross into the penalty box was met by Filip who bundled the ball into the net ahead of a Hamilton defender.

SIGNIFICANT

There were other significant contributions from throughout the team with the midfielders and forwards obviously getting the chance to impress most.

James Forrest and James Keatings regularly swapped wings in support of Greig Spence while Twardzik, Calum Bagshaw and Luca Santonocito controlled and dictated the flow of the game from midfield.

Coach Stevie Frail had plenty to be pleased about after the match and is looking for his side to maintain the standards that they have set over the last two games.

He said: "For big chunks of the game last week they were excellent and it was the same again this week. We're trying to play in the attacking style, the way that Celtic sides are encouraged to play, by getting the ball down and passing it around.

"There's more to football though and the back four have been excellent over the last two games. They've been switched on at all times.

“At 3-0 I was shouting at the players that we weren't settling for that. We need that standard to be reached and maintained, we won't accept it if they don't reach those levels.

TEMPO

“They have been given us the right tempo in training, they have taken that into games. The players are looking to win this league, that's part of their education and development.

"If they are to play for the Celtic first team, which is the purpose of this team, they need to make sure that they work hard off the ball as well as on it."

Celtic started the game sharply and took the lead in the 10th minute when a quick free kick from Richie Towell to Forrest ended with a low cross into the six yard box with Spence getting in front of Twardzik to net from close range.

Four minutes later Celtic doubled their lead when Bagshaw sent a glancing header from a Santonocito free kick looping over the keeper into the net.

Hamilton had their chances but couldn't match Celtic's ruthless touch in front of goal with Keatings adding a third in the 29th minute with a low shot from 18 yards out after great work from Bagshaw to create the opening.

IMPRESSED

Frail and Tommy McIntyre spent the second half urging their side to move forward and although they failed to match the heights of their first half performance there was still plenty to be impressed with.

A lot of work is clearly being put in to develop players into first team material with the current crop of players noticeably stronger than previous sides.

Frail explained: "We're enjoying the training, the players are working hard and after these two results they'll be itching to get back in to training again on Monday.

"We work them on the ball in the morning then in the afternoon they are on a weights programme to strengthen and develop them. Ian Coll our sports scientist has put together a programme for the players to work to

"On a Friday they are feeling it in their legs but they know that it's helping them on a Saturday when they are playing and we're seeing the results of everyone's efforts.

CELTIC Giordano; Towell, G.Gallacher, D.Gallacher, Brennan; F.Twardzik, Santonocito, Bagshaw (Lowdon 81); Forrest, Spence (Ordish 76), Keatings (P.Twardzik 80)

SUBS not used: Kennedy, Gormley, Cochrane, Young

GOALS Spence 10, Bagshaw 14, Keatings 29, Twardzik 80

The Twardzik Bhoys: Filip and Patrik

Last Saturday's u-19 win over Motherwell was the first time that I've seen Filip Twardzik playing and the 16-year-old midfielder made a great impression.

Despite competing against players a few years older and in conditions best described as 'typically Scottish' Filip had the technique and physique to impress throughout the game playing in the centre of midfield.

Alongside Calum Bagshaw, Filip imposed himself on the midfield and was always available to take a pass or to thread the ball wide to James Forrest or James Keatings.

In the final minutes of the match Filip was joined by his brother Patrik who is a striker with both boys making an impact on a visit to Scotland from their German base.

BERLIN

The Twardzik brothers arrived at Celtic in January from Hertha Berlin with the Celtic Academy delighted by the progress that both players are making.

Youth coach Stevie Frail explained: "Both boys are u-17 internationalists for the Czech Republic, they were in Germany when we were alerted to them and will have been in our academy for a year in January.

"Filip showed against Motherwell what he's capable of, he's an all round good footballer just as comfortable at left-back, left midfield, left centre-back or in the middle of the park.

"We were interested to see how he would react when Motherwell equalised on a howling day. He had a wee wobble like the rest of the team but dug in and showed everyone what a good player he is."

IMPRESSED

Frail added: "The two boys were recommended to us, we took a look and were impressed with them, it's great to have two exciting young Chech internationalists coming through the system.

"Their father is in Germany with their older brother at Karlsruhe and their mother is here looking after the twins. That shows real dedication on the part of the family.

"As a club we have to continually be on the look out for players that we can bring in and develop through to first team, we are looking throughout Europe and beyond for players."

The twins older brother Dan is a goalkeeper at Karlsruhe while their father Rene played in goals for three different German clubs.

Celtic's u-19 side are back in action on Saturday when they face Hamilton Accies at the new ground of Rutherglen Glencairn, or The Glens as they are better known.

The match kicks off at 11am which gives plenty of time to take in the 19's match before heading along to watch the first team game against Kilmarnock.

Frail joy as u-19's beat Motherwell 4-1

Youth coach Stevie Frail was delighted to see his side battle against the elements to run out 4-1 winners over Motherwell today.

Greg Spence, Calum Bashaw and James Keating were on target for Celtic with an own goal from a Motherwell defender helping the home side to victory.

Conditions made the game difficult for both teams with Richie Towell splashing about down the right flank in the second half before the rain eased off for the final half hour.

Celtic scored three times in the last 20 minutes with Frail pleased to see his side back on the winning trail after four draws on the bounce.

He said: "There was a lot to be pleased about, the players showed some character to come back in those conditions after losing an equaliser at the start of the second half.

"The conditions worsened but I was delighted with the way that they played. They showed a lot of discipline to stick to their passing game.

COMFORTABLE
"We encourage the players all the time to pass the ball in areas where they are comfortable, the goals were excellent and very rewarding for everyone.

"The movement was pleasing, it's great to see things that you work on through the week coming to fruition on a Saturday."

Spence headed Celtic in front in the tenth minute from a Bagshaw cross with the same combination putting Celtic ahead in the 70th minute when a great pass from Bagshaw sent Spence through on goal with his pass sent into the net by a Motherwell defender.

EXHIBITION
Motherwell had equalised in the first minute of the second half with a 30 yard effort and looked as likely to win the match as the skies opened making the game an exhibition of sliding tackles for a while!

It was difficult to judge players in 'challenging' conditions but there was more than a few of the Celtic players that showed some good technique and a willingness to get on the ball, find some time and make passes.

James Forrest swapped from the right wing to the left in the second half but let himself down with some poor finishing after some trademark driving runs at the Motherwell defence.

TWARDZIK
In the centre of midfield there was plenty of creativity and workrate from the brilliantly named Bagshaw-Twardzik combination.

Filip Twardzik certainly looked the part in conditions far removed from those of the Czech Republic. Never afraid to take an extra touch on the ball Twardzik stood up well in the demanding conditions and was joined on the park by his brother Patrick who replaced Spence in the closing minutes.

The best goal of the day came from James Keatings in the 75th minute when he fired in a brilliant 30 yarder with Bagshaw completing the scoring four minutes later when he finished off a great passing move that cut open the Motherwell defence with a composed finish low into the net.

Celtic: Giordano, Towell; G Gallagher, D Gallagher, Brennan; Keatings, Bagshaw, F Twardzik, Santanocito; Spence, Forrest. Sub P Twardzik (Spence 88min)