Joe raves about Scotland Under-21 star Summers
ATHLETIC loanee Ben Summers has been hailed as a “special player” whose talents immediately impressed one of his new teammates during his first training session.
The 19- year- old, who made his first starting appearance for the club during Saturday’s draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, will miss this weekend’s trip to Dundee United in the SPFL Trust Trophy after linking up with the Scotland under- 21 squad for a UEFA European Championship qualifier in Spain on Monday
Joe Chalmers has said that he “can fully see why” Summers has been included.
“Just standing at the side watching him, some of his touches, his movements - he’s a special player,” Chalmers told Press Sport. “You can fully see why he’s in that Scotland 21s team.
“He’s somebody that always looks to get on the ball. He wants the ball, he wants to get on the ball, he wants to make things happen, so he brings that something different to the team. He’s definitely going to have a big role to play this season.
“You could tell after one training session, just with the way he moves with the ball, and has quick feet, that he’s a skilful player. You can tell right away he’s got some talent. It’s his first experience of proper men’s football, and being away from Celtic, where he’s been all his life. It takes you a while to get used to things, the speed of the play, the physicality and things like that. There’s no doubt he’s going to be a massive player for us this season.”
Pars boss James McPake also believes that Summers will be a fine acquisition to his squad, and praised his attitude - as well as that of Chris Hamilton and Paul Allan, who also featured - in electing to turn out for the reserves last week.
“I wasn’t surprised when he did say he wanted to play. I know Darren O’Dea ( coach of the Celtic ‘ B’ team), he’s one of my best friends, and, in terms of attitude, he said that you’ll not meet a better kid. He’s been that since he came in,” McPake said.
“I think he’s realistic enough to understand that there is a difference from B team football to the Championship, and he’s worked ever so hard in training to impress. He’s now well in the group in terms of getting to know everyone. We’ve settled him in.”
McPake added: The one thing about him is he really wants to learn. We just need to take our time with him, get him right, and he’ll be a good player for the football club.”