Rocco Vata makes surprise Celtic Park return as Brendan Rodgers asks the media 'was I wrong?'
Rocco Vata makes surprise Celtic Park return as Brendan Rodgers asks the media 'was I wrong?' – Parkhead bulletin
Vata's season with Watford is finished and he wasted no time in getting back up the road
Rocco Vata in action for Watford
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images )
Rocco Vata made a surprise return to the Celtic fold – as a punter to take in yesterday's win over Hibs.
The 20-year-old left the Hoops last summer to forge his own path down south and after a settling-in period at Watford, he established himself as an important player in the second half of the season.
Vata started seven of their final eight matches and racked up eight goal-involvements across 37 appearances – one for every 212 minutes he was on the pitch.
But now Watford's season is wrapped up with no playoff involvement at either end, he wasted no time in getting back up the road to watch Brendan Rodgers' team in action.
He shared a snap on Instagram from the Parkhead stands as Celtic battled their way to a 3-1 victory over Hibs.
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Rodgers went full strength for the clash with Hibs with Kasper Schmeichel back from injury and all of the other big time stars in place.
There could be some tweaks for Pittodrie in midweek – with the sides set to meet again in the Scottish Cup Final.
But, when asked about his shuffle talk going in, the Hoops smiled: 'Are you trying to say I was wrong? No, it's just, you're obviously looking at recovery periods and looking at the Scottish Cup final and trying to work your way back.
'Plus, we played a week ago, so no, I didn't see the need to do that. But I've already named the team for Aberdeen to the guys, they know the team for Wednesday.
'Viljami Sinisalo will play. It was just for Kasper to get the feeling again. He's been out for a long time, but I think that him being out, the positive is that having the chance to see Vil now and his authority, you see the calmness of him for such a young goalkeeper.
'We've really, really gained from that. But with Kasper, I know in football there's short memories, but not with me.
'He's been brilliant for me all season, and it's just nice to get him that feel, see how he reacts with his shoulder over the course of the week, and then we can look at it next week.'
Rodgers was also thrilled to give teenager Sean McArdle a late taste.
He said: 'It was to give him that feel. I like him. He's got decent legs, a nice football brain, he's got culture when he plays. It gives him a little reward for the good work that he's done.
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'Now he's got to continue learning and see what comes from it.'
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