Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara was full of praise for Hoops youngster Ben Doak after making his first-team debut in the 1-0 win against Dundee United on Saturday.
The 16-year old was introduced into the game with over 20 minutes left of play, as Ange Postecoglou’s side went on the hunt for a second-half winner, which eventually came in the dying moments of the game via Liel Abada.
In doing so, Doak became the clubs second youngest ever player at the age of 16 years, two months and 18 days.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, McNamara was impressed with the short display from the rapid winger, insisting that Doak is an exciting young talent with the pace and directness he possesses in the final third.
“I thought he was excellent, he’s direct and the kid has no fear,” he said, as quoted by Sun Sport.
“That’s the beauty with these young players, they don’t have the experience and fear and the stuff that comes with it – they just want to go and play.
“He’s an exciting talent, he’s got so much pace and directness.
“It’s exciting to watch.”
Throughout this season, Ange has shown the Celtic support that he isn’t afraid to throw younger players into the action, even during crucial games – as he did in another late victory, bringing on Owen Moffat in the final moments of the 2-1 win over Ross County.
Having made just two appearances for Tommy McIntyre’s B side, Doak has been fast-tracked into first-team action and was given the chance to shine at Celtic Park on Saturday.
It would be fair to say that the youngster didn’t really look out of place, which impressed a lot of supporters, especially considering he has only just turned 16 in November.
👏 A winning #CelticFC debut for 16 year old, Ben Doak! #CELDUTD | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG 🍀 pic.twitter.com/iPNii426Z7
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 29, 2022
It will be interesting to see if Doak is used further this season by Postecoglou and his coaching staff. Their main focus for now, though, should be getting the winger signed up on professional terms.
‘Ohhh young man, you remind me of a young Gary Caldwell in his prime’. Well done, be on the bench more often.https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DC2hgAsi8Ae4&ved=2ahUKEwju5JSG8dn1AhVQa8AKHUFWAC8QwqsBegQIBhAE&usg=AOvVaw2B4x49s5ArLyPBSPVFuU5Y