Postecoglou told us on day one age was no barrier and Monty’s proved it by smashing down door to first team says Scott
SCOTT ROBERTSON insists the emergence of Adam Montgomery is proof boss Ange Postecoglou’s recruitment drive leaves plenty of room for Celtic’s academy prospects.
After a transfer window delivered a dozen new faces inside the dressing room, the midfielder believes fears of development kids becoming lost Bhoys were dismissed by the Australian during the first day of pre-season
training.
Montgomery’s meteoric first-team promotion includes an extra time arrival as a sub in the Champions League exit to Midtjylland as well as both Europa League qualifiers against AZ Alkmaar before climbing off the bench during last month’s Old Firm clash.
That faith Postecoglou has shown in a player who has come through the ranks is a clear sign for Robertson, who is currently in loan at Crewe, that opportunity will knock for others this season.
He 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 you will play for him.
“It was great to hear him say that. He said we would get opportunities and he has 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.
“Adam has 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 gaffer is someone who is prepared to look at the academy and give youngsters an opportunity.
“The big moment for Adam was 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.
“He wants to get the midfield players on the ball and 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.”
As Robertson begins to find his feet with the Railwaymen, he has revealed that Montgomery’s journey to the Hoops top team required a big positional change from tricky winger to full-back.
He said: “When Adam came in at Celtic he was played as a winger, right or left flank.
“As a young player over the last few years he’s been brilliant and what shone through is the technical side of his game. It’s only since he has been moved back into the left-back role that he’s thrived. It’s a position which suits him better.
“The most important thing as a footballer is the technical side of your game. Adam has that in abundance so when he was moved back into defence it made the transition a lot easier.
“It makes it easier as a defender if you are comfortable on the ball but there will be other aspects of the defensive side of the game which he’ll have to tidy up just like any young player.”
Robertson made his transfer deadline day loan switch to English League One side Crewe after previous spells down south with Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers.
After penning a new threeyear deal with the Hoops last summer, the 20-year-old aims to make the most of his time at the Mornflake Stadium and return to push for a first-team place under Postecoglou.
He said: “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 window neared it became clear I’d need to go out on loan to play.
“I agreed with the manager when he said that to me. The aim is to come back next year and push for a first-team
place.”
The gaffer said we would get chances and he has shown that SCOTT ROBERTSON ON ANGE’S MESSAGE TO BHOYS