Celtic: Fans heap praise on Scott Robertson after first-team debut

Celtic manager Neil Lennon handed a first-team debut to 18-year-old midfielder Scott Robertson in last night’s Europa League match away to CFR Cluj.

It was one of nine changes that Lennon made to his starting line-up as he took the luxury of resting the likes of Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor with the Hoops already guaranteed to top their group.

Although the Scottish champions lost 0-2 in Romania, the performance of Robertson on his debut enabled them to take a firm positive from the defeat.

The teenager made 83 passes last night, the second most of anyone in Celtic’s line-up, and had the highest passing success rate (88%) of the Hoops’ starting XI, with only half-time substitute Kristoffer Ajer ultimately surpassing him with 89.4%. [via WhoScored]

The debutant’s performance was praised by several reporters after the game. Ryan Brown of Read Celtic wrote that he “took the ball in tight areas and rarely gave it away” while The Scotsman‘s Angus Wright said that he “didn’t look out of place”.

In the Daily Record, Gordon Parks waxed lyrical about Robertson, writing that he “displayed a deft touch, picked his passes with purpose and looks an athletic powerhouse full of potential”.

These Celtic fans took to Twitter to give their own glowing verdicts on the 18-year-old:

https://twitter.com/Dazrobbo1888/status/1205228031964524547

Scott Robertson – we’ve got a player there. One of the best debuts I’ve seen from a young player. To play the way he did in the centre of the park speaks volumes for his ability but also the football education he’s so evidently had. Karamoko we know will be good. 🍀

— Raymiedoc (@2021vision) December 12, 2019

Wee Scott Robertson looks like a real talent 👏🏻👏🏻

— Gaz Young🍀 (@MRceltic1888) December 12, 2019

Thought young Scott Robertson gave a good account of himself tonight. Very tidy and composed.
Great debut.

— Davie McLaughlin (@McLaughlin_1888) December 12, 2019