Rocco Vata may need to leave Celtic hints Republic of Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford
Republic of Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford has hailed Rocco Vata as a ‘very, very good prospect’ but hinted he may need to leave Celtic in order to best continue his development.
On his first competitive start at U21 level, the 18-year-old netted the opening two goals in Ireland’s comfortable 3-0 victory over San Marino at Turner’s Cross on Tuesday night.
It’s a case of so far so good for the Irish as they have made the perfect start with two wins out of two although there will be bigger obstacles to overcome in a group that also contains Italy and Norway.
Vata is likely to play an important role during the young Boys in Green’s bid to qualify Euro 2025 but Crawford admitted the talented midfielder may need to leave Brendan Rogers’ side in order to play first-team football.
“Rocco has been playing but the difference is the intensity levels, at this level you'd be different to what he is used to with Celtic B but at least he’s playing every week. That's the main thing,” began Crawford.
“I think we saw flashes of how good he is there. He is still eligible to play with the U-19s. To score two goals, I'm excited by him. There is a lot more to come from him.
“Rocco is ambitious. Reading between the lines I think he wants to get out and play first team football.
“Is he going to get that at Celtic? It’s probably unlikely at this stage but that’s between Rocco, his representatives and the club what's best for him going forward.
“All I can say from an Ireland side of things is that he is a very, very good prospect.
“I have seen it with players how that decision with their club or where they go impacts them at international level, and how international level affects their own development.
“It’s important that whatever he does is
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