Celtic youngster Rocco Vata spoke to The Irish Sun after playing for Ireland’s under 19s in the recent international break as they narrowly missed out on a place at the upcoming under 19 European Championships.
The Celtic youngster revealed his desire to become a first team regular whilst also touching on the possibility of a loan move away from Parkhead in order to gain vital expereince.
Celtic fans of a certain generation remember the name Vata for Ruddi, an ex-Celt who played for the club between 1993 and 1996. He is obviously Rocco’s Father and the teenage attacker has admitted how he aspires to follow his Dad’s success in green and white:
“I dont mind older people recognising me for my dad”
“It’s something that gets a lot of recognition, all the fans want me to follow in my dad’s footsteps”
“HOPEFULLY IT’S SOMETHING I CAN DO IN FUTURE, BE A REGULAR PLAYER IN THE CELTIC TEAM”
Vata is aiming to become a significant member of the Celtic first team soon and continues to train with Ange Postecoglou’s squad day by day. This experience is only positive for the 17 year old. What was even better for Vata was when he made his senior debut back in December away at Hibs.
He also netted in pre-season although the aforementioned Hibs appearance is his only competitive one up to this point. Due to this, a temporary spell away from Celtic for Vata is one that could be beneficial:
“I’ve not spoken about going on loan yet. it is maybe in the plans”
A loan has been beneficial for several Celtic players in the past in helping them to develop their game and gain pivotal experience. Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie are just a few names who spring to mind when thinking about those who excelled after a temporary period elsewhere.
In Vata’s case, this could be just what he needs in order to kick on and reach his goal of becoming a regular first teamer for Celtic and emulating his renowned Father.
