Rocco Vata may need to leave Celtic hints Republic of Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford

Rocco Vata celebrates after scoring his side's first goal. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Republic of Ireland U21 manager Jim Crawford has hailed Rocco Vata as a ‘very, very good prospect’ but hinted he may need to leave Celtic in order to best continue his development.

On his first competitive start at U21 level, the 18-year-old netted the opening two goals in Ireland’s comfortable 3-0 victory over San Marino at Turner’s Cross on Tuesday night.