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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Josh McCafferty

Rocco Vata makes surprising Celtic Park return for Hibernian clash

Rocco Vata was at Celtic Park on Saturday to take in his old team's game against Hibernian. 

Despite going 1-0 down in the first half, Brendan Rodgers' men turned the game on its head and led going into the break courtesy of goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah.


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Reo Hatate then added a third in the second 45 to wrap up the points. 

Vata, who departed Celtic for Watford last summer, watched on as his old teammates moved 20 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. 

The 20-year-old posted on Instagram as he took in the game from the Main Stand. 

Rocco Vata on Instagram. Rocco Vata on Instagram. (Image: Instagram/@roccovata)

Vata left Celtic upon the expiry of his contract. 

Rodgers confirmed he was offered a deal to stay at Parkhead: "Rocco was offered a contract and he was going to be one of three strikers at Celtic, he decided that that wasn’t going to be for him," said the manager. 

“So he then leaves. That’s absolutely fine and we wish him all the very best."

The Ireland international has made 37 appearances in his first season at Watford, scoring four goals and assisting as many. 

His team eventually finished 14th in the table, 11 points adrift of the play-off places, eight clear of relegation. 

Vata is contracted at Vicarage Road until the summer of 2028. 

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