THE silverware is a recognition of their success. The experience is what really stands them in good stead.

Celtic will look to take another trophy back to Parkhead tomorrow night as they set their sights on Youth Cup glory. The Premiership title and League Cup already have the green and white ribbons on them, as does the Glasgow Cup following the victory over Rangers last week. The Scottish Cup could well complete the set next month.

The Hoops’ Under-20 squad have a chance to get in on the act when they face their Old Firm rivals at Hampden and look to win the title for the second time in three years. After two derby wins in a couple of days, it would be a welcome hat-trick before attentions turn to the sixth and final Premiership meeting at Ibrox this weekend.

But boss Tommy McIntyre knows the main prize is progression to Brendan Rodgers’ side as the Lennoxtown kids look to realise their Parkhead dreams.

“The big thing is development,” he said. “You don’t get any prizes, other than the trophy, for winning development league games, youth cups and Glasgow Cups. The biggest prize is the learning process and at Celtic you need to learn to win but win in the right manner and at Celtic that’s by playing creative football and playing in the right way.

“But the biggest thing is how they progress and how they get to the first team and that’s the biggest challenge. The crown is on their head really, as young players they are given a fantastic opportunity, they’ve got everything for them, so it’s really up to them. But they are a conscientious group, they look after themselves and that’s the way it should be.”

The arrival of Rodgers has been the catalyst for changes on and off the park as Celtic have enjoyed success at all levels this term. It is the first team that is his focus, but there are always glances towards every corner of Lennoxtown.

The likes of Calvin Miller and Jack Aitchison have made the step up and Kieran Tierney continues to lead the way for the next generation of Hoops stars. And McIntyre is pleased to have Rodgers’ input at youth level as he looks to build for a brighter green and white future.

“It’s very transparent how we wish to play,” he said. “You’re not driven by systems of play, it’s very much up to myself and staff for the system of play but certain the philosophy is very similar to the first team. The manager has a great understanding about academies because he been in that position himself and he can stand up and talk about his experiences at Chelsea, Watford and all the clubs he’s been to.

“So that’s really important. He does have an understanding as he’s worked with ten-year-olds, 15-year-olds, 17-year-olds. So we ingrain that, as do probably most clubs now and Rangers will be no different, as everything permeates from the first-team in terms of system of play because it’s important that when they do get the opportunity to play in the first team they are less spooked by it and they are fully aware of what is required and their role and position within the team.”