The Rocco Vata situation at Celtic is one that has intrigued the fans for quite a while now.
Long thought of as one of the most exciting talents to be produced by the Celtic Academy, Vata has struggled to make the jump from the Celtic B team to the first team.
Speculation has been rife for months on whether or not Vata has a long-term future at Celtic but that seemed to have been put to bed after the Parkhead club offered the youngster improved terms on a new four-year deal.
As yet, there is no word yet on whether or not Vata will sign the deal but his father, Rudi, has been sharing what he’s been telling his son he must do to make his mark at Celtic in the future.
Rocco Vata is ‘ready’ for Celtic first-team
Rudi Vata is a Celtic cult hero amongst the fans. The Albanian joined the club in 1993 and helped end six barren trophy-less years with a Scottish Cup win over Airdrie in 1995.
And now, the Vata connection stays strong at Celtic as Rocco looks to build his career at the club with Rudi hopeful that his son’s immediate future will lie at the Scottish champions.
Vata said [Off the Ball], “I always felt that you need to build your first house in the place that you are born and in the place that you learn the ABC of football. And he has done that.
“He’s gone through the alphabet and been through all the stages. I think and I always thought he can do it there and he can make it big because I remember Rocco, he’s been different.
“Since he was born he’s been a different child. I think he’s been unique since he was born. And I think God chooses him for his own reason.
“And I think he realises that because I always told him God give you something very special, just work on it.
“I think his attitude, his mentality, he has built up those three things that I always told him to work hard. To build up the mindset mentality, character and personality.
“So he built those three things and those three things nobody can take from you. So I think now he’s ready to get first-team football and explode his talent.
“And hopefully it’ll be at Celtic. But until it’s done, you never know.”
Young Rocco Vata has been a sensation in the Scottish Lower Leagues. In 52 appearances for Celtic B, he has scored 23 goals.
However, despite that, Vata has only broken into the Celtic first team six times over the last two seasons amassing just 68 minutes of football. [Transfermarkt]
But he has opened up his goalscoring account after netting against Buckie Thistle this season in the 5-0 Scottish Cup win at Celtic Park.
With Serie A clubs circling the 19-year-old attacker, it seems Vata will have no shortage od suitors should he decide to end his stay at Paradise.
But like Rudi, I also hope the youngster decides to continue developing at the club as he does look like an exciting talent for the future.