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Gareth Fullerton

Celtic win Scottish Youth Cup with a little help from Belfast teenager

A North Belfast teenager is celebrating after helping Celtic win the Scottish Youth Cup.

Francis Turley was part of the young Hoops squad that beat Rangers in an 11-goal thriller at Hampden Park.

The 17-year-old came on as a substitute as Celtic claimed a 6-5 win over their Glasgow rivals on Wednesday night.

Read more: Irish Cup: Ross Redman hoping his luck will finally change

It was an incredible derby showdown at the international stadium, with Rangers also having a man sent off.

It is the latest stellar moment for Ardoyne teen Turley, who signed a three-year professional deal with Celtic last September.

Francis' uncle Thomas Turley told North Belfast News: "We are so proud of him because we understand the sacrifice and hard work that he has dedicated himself to be able to get to were he is now.

"There is a long road to go still but he has worked so hard to create this opportunity for himself to go and play for such a massive club like Celtic.

"It is a club renowned around the world with a great history and for a kid from Ardoyne to live his dream playing for them and hopefully run out one day at Celtic Park would be amazing."

The final was a barnstormer with six goals in the first half, with the two sides reaching the break tied at 3-3.

Rangers - who had Northern Ireland goalkeeper Mason Munn on the bench - then led 4-3 before the Hoops drew level to force the game to extra time.

Celtic edged ahead through Daniel Cummings in the 97th minute and then Lewis Dobbie added a sixth before Tyler Pasnik bagged an injury time consolation for Rangers.

Turley joined Celtic from Glentoran last year after being on the radar of a number of cross-channel clubs..

The teen is - described as a creative midfielder with an eye for a pass - has represented Northern Ireland at Under 17 level and featured in last season's Victory Shield. He is a product of the Irish FA JD Academy run by Andy Waterworth.

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