Tommy stresses focus is still on path to first team
manager and the first team coaching staff were here and I know they are pleased.
“It’s about winning and winning in the right manner but the biggest thing for us is progression.
“The biggest thing for us is that we bridge the gap and keep supplying players for the first-team.”
Aiden Nesbitt played well and has clearly benefitted from a season at Morton. Physically more robust and full of movement, the 20-year-old was at the centre of what was an exceptionally positive performance from Celtic.
And McIntyre believes that bringing back some form of competitive reserve league would enable Celtic to keep a tighter reign on the development of their players.
“You can see the value in someone like Aidan Nesbitt going out on loan and also to the right club,” said McIntyre.
“We need a colt league so we can control our own players.
“The main thing for us is progression and development. But we have a fantastic manager just now and we have to make sure we benefit from that. The young players see the progression as well and one or two have already played in the first-team; Jack Aitchison and Calvin Miller have been in there and there are one or two there tonight who might get a wee chance.”
Kieran Tierney and Callum McGregor watched the game as well as Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell.
The sight of the two players, who have both made an impact this season, is something that will be particularly heartening for young players who are keen to follow their progress into the senior team.
“We couldn’t stop KT coming – I think he was after something like 10 tickets off me the other day,” smiled McIntyre. “It is great because they have come through the academy structure and they are great examples.”