The young Celts suffered a disappointment in midweek when they exited the FA Youth Cup but received glowing praise from manager Neil Parsley.

First-team coach and central defensive lynchpin Mark Jackson is also boss of the youth side and his team-mates travelled to Tranmere Rovers to support the youngsters in the first-round tie.

The up-and-coming players at the Coca Cola League One outfit made home advantage pay as they ran out 3-0 winners at Prenton Park.

But, like the youngsters of Southport, who were beaten at Valley Parade by City’s young guns, the Celts colts will have learned from and enjoyed the experience.

The achievement of even reaching the first round proper was not lost on Parsley.

He said: “We altered our training schedule so the players could go to Tranmere to watch.

“I cancelled Tuesday’s session and got the players in for extra work during the rest of the week, mainly because I wanted to go.

“I’m the figurehead of the playing side at this football club and I wasn’t prepared to miss such an important game for Farsley.

“I watch the boys whenever I can and, with Jacko being one of my assistants regarding first-team duties, he keeps me well informed about their progress.

“They have done the club proud with this run to the first round of the FA Youth Cup once again.”