SCOTT ROBERTSON may have just agreed a season-long loan switch to Crewe, but the youngster insists opportunity knocks at Celtic.
Ange Postecoglou has signed a dozen new players since his June arrival as Neil Lennon’s successor and the Greek-Australian’s relentless recruitment drive led to fears emerging kids at the club may be overlooked in the squad revamp.
Twenty-year-old Robertson, however, is swift to dismiss the theory and points to the emergence of Adam Montgomery to dispel any notion the academy prospects will be overlooked.
The 19-year-old defender was pitched in during the crucial extra-time period against FC Midtjylland in Denmark and played as a sub in the Europa League play-off final qualifiers against AZ Alkmaar. He also made a cameo appearance in the match at Ibrox.
Robertson, who has also had temporary moves to Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers, said: “From the first day the new manager arrived, he told us all that no matter what your age is, if you are good enough then you will play for him. It was great to hear him say that.
“He said we would get opportunities and I think he’s shown that already with Adam’s promotion into the first team that he’s true to his word.
“I wasn’t surprised to see Adam being thrown in at the deep-end so soon, nobody at Celtic was. The manager has shown he has faith in him and for a young player that is huge.
“He’s shown by his performances so far this season that he’s been up to the job and it’s been an inspiration to the younger boys who see what can happen. It also shows the manager is someone who is prepared to look at the academy and give youngsters an opportunity.”
Robbo, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “The big moment for Adam came when he was played in Europe against Midtjylland as a sub and he showed his temperament was strong enough to cope. Then he was excellent against AZ Alkmaar, he slotted right in and didn’t look out of place at all.
“From day one the manager has been able to get his messages across very quickly, the points he wanted to make are well understood. He wants us to play football the right way, it’s about keeping the ball and pressing high up the pitch.
“He wants to get the midfield players on the ball and for me that’s been great as it’s one of my strengths to get on the ball and pass it. From my point of view it has been brilliant. He doesn’t like it when you take too many touches and end up having to go back the way. He wants you to get your head up as soon as possible and pass the ball through the lines.”
Robertson, who penned a new three-year deal with the Hoops last summer, added: “When I moved out on loan to Doncaster last season it was all about trying to get games under my belt, but this summer it was a bit different. I wanted to take my time and concentrate on getting a good pre-season under the new manager.
“As the closing of the transfer window neared, it became clear I would need to go out on loan to play.
“I agreed with the manager when he said that to me and I’m a Celtic player on loan at Crewe and he said he’d keep a close eye on me.
“The aim is to come back to the club next summer and push for a first team place and, hopefully, I can make the impact I want to make in a Celtic shirt.”
