Rudi, Rocco Vata’s father, provides an intriguing assessment amid Celtic contract talks.

One of the most memorable moments of Celtic’s Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle was Rocco Vata’s first goal for the club.

With the game already over against the tenacious Highland League side, substitute Vata came off the bench to score his first goal at Parkhead in the 76th minute.

Brendan Rodgers was clearly pleased with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, and he took to the airwaves after the game to praise his performance.

The Irish manager stated, “It’s all about discipline for young players – doing the work, having the right attitude. It’s nice for him, to get that feeling of scoring. He’s been here since he was a kid. It was a great moment for him and his family.”

Nonetheless, Vata’s future at Celtic is anything but certain. Football Scotland reports that the Hoops intend to meet with his entourage to discuss a new contract, despite interest in his services from Italian clubs Bologna and Como.

His current contract expires in the summer, and it is unclear whether he will stay in Glasgow longer.

Rocco Vata’s father offers an assessment of his Celtic future.

Celtic fans will be familiar with the name Rudi Vata, who played for the club from 1993 to 1996.

The former Hoops player is, of course, Rocco’s father, and in an interview with Irish radio station Off The Ball, he appears to have given a conflicting assessment of what could happen to his future at Parkhead.

Initially, the 54-year-old appeared to hint that his son might want to leave the club, saying: “I think he’s not ready. He’s 18 still, he’s not ready mentally to move to another country. He wants to move but I don’t think he’s got it.

“I don’t think he’s ready. It’s good that I understand his emotion even when he is not happy. Because there will be times he’s not happy with the manager or the coaches but all he can do is continue to work.”

Rudi, a former Albania international, then suggested that the Lennoxtown product may want to stay at Celtic, saying, “I think he wants to be with Celtic and I think it’s right for him to be with Celtic, to get more game time, and if he gets game time, I think he will produce what he’s capable of producing.”

“He’s improved a lot, he’s ready to play and all he needs is to get the opportunity.”

Celtic should look to retain young talent such as Rocco Vata.

Celtic have a lack of homegrown talent coming through the ranks and should look to protect their most promising young players moving forward.

In an ideal world, that statement would undoubtedly apply to Vata, but his contract situation raises concerns about the club’s overall approach to youth development.

His goal-scoring exploits have extended to the B team level this season, with the starlet scoring 13 goals in 22 appearances [Transfermarkt].

Hopefully, both parties can reach an agreement, allowing Vata to stay in Glasgow and thrive under Rodgers’ tutelage.

In other news, Officials Confirmed for Celtic’s Match Against Ross County