McLeish excited by ‘lovely’ Montgomery and tips him to start Celtic showdown
Alex McLeish has insisted Adam Montgomery has been a โgreat findโ for Celtic since breaking into the senior side.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 19-year-old for his ability to play in both a defensive and attacking role for the Bhoys.
Montgomery, who usually plays as a left-back, started as a winger for Ange Postecoglou in the 2-1 win over Ross County.
His inclusion came as a result of the injury problems Celtic have suffered in attacking areas.
Fellow forward Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi, Mikey Johnston and James Forrest were all ruled out against County.
Montgomery is in line to start again in Sundayโs Scottish League Cup final, with Ange Postecoglou confirming on Friday (17 December) the aforementioned quartet are either still out or major doubts.
McLeish admitted he is excited by the teenagerโs potential.
โHeโs been impressive,โ McLeish told Football Insider deputy editor Russell Edge.
โLooking at him as a full-back, he was adventurous, he got back, he does the hard yards.
To move him further forward, I think, is Postecoglou being intuitive.
โTheyโve shown great initiative in doing that.
โI would say that he has been great find for Celtic. He looks a lovely young player.โ
Montgomery did start his fledgling career as a forward before being converted into a defender in recent years.
He has made a total of 19 appearances for the Hoopsโ senior side so far.
All but two of those have come under Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian manager has handed the teenager seven starts in 17 appearances this season.
In other news, Scottish pundit has dropped โmassiveโ Celtic transfer claim after Kyogo Furuhashi reveal.