Celtic B are in Scottish Challenge Cup action tonight as Stephen McManus’ young side face Hamilton Academical.
Celtic take a break from their Lowland League campaign for matchday one of the competition, also known as the KDM Evolution Trophy.
Hamilton represent a clear step up in opposition for the prospects. The Accies are operating two divisions above the young Hoops, giving McManus and his players a useful test against senior opposition.
Celtic published their team news online ahead of the tie, with Lucas Clearie and Rhys Dargie both handed starts.
Conor Daly, who was also among the goalscorers with Clearie and Dargie in their latest victory, begins the night on the bench.
#CelticFCB team news 📋
Here is how the young Hoops line-up for tonight’s KDM Evolution Trophy clash against Hamilton Accies 🔢⤵️#HAMCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/mUGhJSpB2N
— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) August 12, 2026
McManus’ side head into the Hamilton game after an entertaining 5-3 win over Renfrew on August 8.
The Celts did their damage before the interval, scoring five times in the first half. Daly and Clearie both struck doubles, while Dargie also found the net as the young Hoops took control of the contest.
That victory was their second win of the domestic campaign.
They had already put six past Clydebank in a 6-1 victory, showing the attacking threat in this young side when things click in the final third.
Results have not all gone Celtic’s way, though. Beith Juniors handed them a 3-2 defeat on the opening day, while Johnstone Burgh managed to hold McManus’ side to a 1-1 draw.
Tonight is a different type of assignment altogether.
The Challenge Cup gives younger players the chance to measure themselves against clubs from further up the Scottish pyramid, and Hamilton should provide exactly that sort of examination.
Clearie and Dargie have earned their places in the starting side after making an impact against Renfrew, while Daly gives McManus another goalscoring option from the bench.
There is little value in these games being comfortable. Facing experienced senior opposition is where some of the more useful lessons can be found, particularly for players trying to show they can eventually make the jump beyond Lowland League football.
Hamilton should ask considerably more of them tonight; for McManus and his young Hoops, that is exactly the point.
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