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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Euan Robertson

Darren O'Dea tips Celtic kid Rocco Vata to reach 'the top' as he hails youngster's mentality

Darren O'Dea believes Celtic kid Rocco Vata has enormous potential.

The 16-year-old has produced some impressive performances for the Hoops B-team in the Lowland League this season.

Coach O'Dea has worked with Vata - son of former Parkhead star Rudi - for a few seasons and he's a huge admirer of the youngster.

The former Dundee defender insists the Irish youth international can reach 'the top' and O'Dea pinpointed his strong mentality.

He said: "I've known Rocco for a while, naturally I've been with the 18s for the last two seasons so he's someone I know really well.

"He was in the school programme and is someone I've brought up with the 18s and played in a couple of games.

"The most impressive thing about him is probably his mentality, his attitude to the game.

"We had a pre-season friendly this year that didn't go particularly well but he's someone that has a killer attitude that never stops, he has a fantastic ability to beat people and create chances.

"On top of that he's someone who has a really strong mind so he's someone who's very young and needs to be managed well.

"But he's going in the right direction, it's a case of supporting him.

"I'm confident to say that if he reaches his full potential which is our goal as a staff to do that, that potential could take him to the top, to be fair."

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