Rocco Vata's situation at Celtic is one that has left supporters baffled. He is an incredibly highly-rated B team prospect, and Europe is taking notice. It does seem, however, that everyone apart from Celtic can see the potential Vata possesses, as he just can't seem to get a look-in under Brendan Rodgers.
His most recent exploits for the Republic of Ireland under-21s have made headlines again, as he starred alongside Celtic loanee Bosun Lawal in a 7-0 annihilation of San Marino in Friday night's Euro qualifier.
Rocco, at 18, has scored one goal in two substitute appearances totalling 29 minutes for the first-team this season. His record for the B team stands at 13 goals in 16 games, with no goals in the six games he played in the UEFA (Under-19) Youth League. At international level, Vata has represented the Under-19 and Under-21 sides this season, scoring no goals in three games for the 19s, but netting five in two matches for the 21s.
He is making an impact when playing for club or country, but why can't he seem to get a look-in at Celtic?
Impressing for Republic of Ireland Under-21s
Rocco Vata has been a consistent feature for the Republic of Ireland youth national teams, shining particularly brightly for the Under-19s, but his step up the the Under-21s has yielded even greater results.
Grabbing a brace in his first start for the Under-21s against San Marino back in September, Vata built upon that in his most recent appearance for the national team as he went one better with a hat-trick against the same opponents.
Whilst the level of opposition may be the cannon-fodder of the European Qualifiers, he can't continue to play so well and go unnoticed by Celtic for much longer.
Vata's current contract situation & interest from Italy
One reason Celtic must give Vata a real chance soon is that his contract expires at the end of the season. The club has recognised this, and have tabled an offer to keep the young forward at Celtic Park until 2027, but some of Italy's biggest clubs have taken notice of the contract stalemate and look set to try and capitalise on it.
With Vata being available for a measly £400,000 compensation fee, AC Milan, Bologna and Atalanta have all been closely monitoring his situation situation.
Italian clubs have been circling for a while now, with even Serie B sides Sampdoria and Como also taking notice. Moving to Italy isn't anything out of the ordinary for young Irish talents as another promising youngster in Kevin Zefi had a spell at Inter Milan's academy before moving to Roma's academy.
Is it a case of play him or lose him?
The reported stumbling block in contract discussions with Vata has been the lack of game time that he has received.
This isn't anything new for young players at Celtic as supporters and pundits alike have been incredibly critical at the club's lack of youth progression from the academy, with the homegrown system bleeding talent to some of Europe's elite clubs before they can even get a chance with the first-team.
Given Celtic's current situation in the title race where every game is a must-win, there aren't going to be many opportunities to really give Vata a chance between now and the end of the season, but the truth is that he really should have been given some opportunities before now.
Celtic find themselves in a position where they can either play him or lose him, and it would be an all-too-familiar disappointment for the Celtic supporters if they were to see yet another of our youth graduates flourishing elsewhere.
James McKenzie // @JamesWHMcKenzie