The Celtic Academy Duo Who Impressed Against Sligo

Celtic secured a late 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers last night thanks to a Luis Palma hat-trick.

The Honduran winger spared Scott Bain’s blushes; the Hoops’ third-choice goalkeeper was at fault for both of the hosts’ goals.

Trailing 2-1 heading into the dying embers, Palma bailed Bain out with a duo of late back-post tap-ins, each assisted by a different academy player.

Indeed, first-team manager Brendan Rodgers brought several youngsters across the Irish Sea to play at the Showgrounds, with Sean McArdle and Samuel Isiguzo proving particularly impressive.

Both are just 17 years old and came on as second-half substitutes.

Each injected some life into an otherwise dull affair and set up a goal.

Midfielder McArdle, who has terrific technical ability, set up Palma for the Hoops’ leveller, whipping a deep cross into the box with his left foot.

Moments later, Isiguzo, who has two goals in four B team appearances this season, flashed a dangerous ball to the back post for Palma’s winner.

The Bhoys still have a long way to go before reaching the elite levels required to play regularly for Celtic.

Regardless, their cameos last night caught the eye and proved they can handle themselves in and around the first-team environment, albeit against Sligo.

Boss Rodgers is always keen to nurture and develop young talent, so it should be intriguing to see where things go for the pair after yesterday evening.