RB Leipzig scout Rocco Vata as Celtic rising star lives up to the hype by running the show in Ireland U21 debut

RB Leipzig ran the rule over Rocco Vata last night - as he made a dream debut for Republic of Ireland’s U21s.

The Bundesliga giants were in Cork last night to watch the Celtic youngster net a double in their 3-0 qualifying win over San Marino. It was Vata’s first appearance at that level after he had stepped up from U19s level.

The 18-year-old didn’t disappoint as he caught the eye with a brace to help the young Irish side maintain their 100 percent start to qualifying in Group A. Leipzig had a scout at Turners Cross and Vata is no stranger having already played against them in the European youth competition with Celtic. The German side were amongst a plethora of scouts who were at the game, along with the likes of English Premier League sides Brentford and Brighton.

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Clubs have now been alerted to the fact that Vata is in the final year of his contract at Celtic and looks unlikely to sign an extension. It means he could move cross-border for around £350,000 in training compensation in the summer. Italian side Torino and Nottingham Forest both had offers turned down at the end of the last window.

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