Give the young winger an opportunity
I saw enough from Thomas Hatton in the Milan friendly to consider starting the youngster against Dundee on the league opener next Monday. He may have only been on the park for around 20 minutes, but his drive and directness certainty impressed during his Celtic Park cameo at the weekend. With Tounekti and Balikwisha the current options for the left hand side, I think I’d reward the 19 year old and see what he can offer from the beginning. Tounekti just isn’t reliable and we want to show young players that they will play if they do well when given a chance. I believe that we should be attempting to integrate at least two youngsters per season into our first team squad, so long as they are good enough of course. So far, Hatton has looked like he deserves that chance to cement himself in the squad. Last season I was calling for McArdle to be given a chance but so far I think it’s Hatton out of the two that’s taken his opportunity during this pre season.
Martin’s recent comments suggests that he’s also been impressed by the 19 year old. Will he give him a chance to further impress next week? If he does, it will most likely be off the bench. However Celtic’s current left hand options don’t fill you with confidence going into the first league match of the season.
If Kasper Hogh signs and is ready to start then theres a chance Duran could play out wide. I just wouldn’t be surprised to see Hatton at some point next Monday as Martin assesses his squad for the season ahead.
Tim Lisbon
All views expressed on Celtic DNA are personal opinions and are for commentary and discussion purposes only
