Prolific Celtic starlet back amongst the goals after KDM Trophy snub as he smashes in first-half hat-trick

Celtic prospect Lucas Clearie responded to being benched in midweek by scoring a first-half hat-trick for Celtic's B team against Beith Juniors. The 17-year-old struck in the 19th minute, just before halftime, and during stoppage time to lead his side to a 3-0 victory. The performance followed his omission from the starting lineup against Ross County in the KDM Evolution Trophy four days earlier.

The treble took Clearie's season tally to 20 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions, including 15 goals in league action. Clearie, who signed his first professional contract with Celtic last summer, was also named in the Scotland Under-19 squad alongside club teammate Corey Shaw for upcoming fixtures against Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Belgium.