Celtic starlet Rocco Vata can reach the top of football according to Hoops B team coach Darren O'Dea - if he uses his potential wisely.
The attacking midfielder was born in Hamilton and he attended local primary school St Mark's.
He's opted to represent the Republic of Ireland on the international stage and has four caps for their U17s side.
Still only 16, O'Dea works with Vata -son of Parkhead hero Rudi - in the club's Lowland League B team. He has been playing with players a few years older than him.
But former defender O'Dea says the attack-minded player's potential is a standout quality. He expects a big future for the teenager.
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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