Celtic starlet now Lucas Clearie knocking on the door of the first team

Highly regarded Celtic youth prospect Lucas Clearie has showed his prowess in front of goal once again after scoring a first half hat-trick for the Celtic B side against Beith Juniors.

The striker opened the scoring in the 18th minute before adding another in the 42nd minute. He completed his hat-trick in the 45th minute.

The 17 year old’s latest goal flurry gives him an impressive 23 goal tally across the Lowland League and KDM Evolution Trophy football this season.

Clearie’s treble was the perfect response after he was benched in favour of Chelsea loanee Shim Mheuka in the KDM Evolution Trophy defeat against Ross County in midweek.

The prolific striker has already had a taste of training with the first team after Martin O’Neill included him in the squad for the recent trip to Lisbon to face Benfica, with Clearie earning a spot on the bench.

He didn’t make an appearance, but the experience despite the heavy 4-1 loss would have been a major highlight for the youngster.

Those who have watched the youngster closely are in the full belief that he’s got what it takes to make the grade. The 17 year old is said to possess a striker’s instinct well beyond his years.

Clearie is a deadly penalty-box striker, but there is far more to his game than just goals. The youngster is undoubtedly at his best inside the danger area, but his lightning pace and quick feet make him a constant threat to defenders anywhere on the pitch.

If he keeps up that sort of form, then it won’t be long until he receives yet another first team call up. The teenager’s latest treble also rounded off an impressive week after he was included alongside Celtic teammate Corey Shaw in the Scotland Under-19 squad.

Scotland are due to face Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Belgium during the international window.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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