A team from the Irish Football Association’s elite player development programme took on a Celtic youth side in Scotland to mark International Day of Football and Friendship.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was among the spectators when the JD Club NI 2003 side faced a Celtic 2002 side at the Glasgow giants’ training centre at Lennoxtown.
The Northern Ireland team enjoyed plenty of possession and created several chances during the three-period encounter. Aaron Donnelly was on target for JD Club NI, however the hosts were more clinical in front of goal, scoring twice to win the game 2-1.
Declan Devine, who coached the Northern Ireland team, said: “Celtic put out a strong side, featuring many players a year older than our boys.
"We controlled the game and had excellent ball retention with a high standard of play. Arguably we deserved a more favourable result.”
The annual Gazprom-sponsored International Day of Football and Friendship promotes friendship, mutual respect and healthy living.
To hear from the coaches and see back the highlights, watch the video above.
JD Club NI squad: Conner Byrne, Joshua Archer, Lewis Mackinnon, Aaron Donnelly, Matthew Walker, Orrin McLaughlin, Cameron Stewart, Caolan McBride, Sean McAllister, Vicky Saldanha, Conor Bradley, Charlie Allen, Ross McCausland, Terry Devlin, Charlie Lindsay.
