USMNT youngster Weah scores on debut with Celtic

Tim Weah didn't take long to make an impact for Celtic.  

The 18-year-old joined the club on loan from PSG earlier this month and made his debut on Saturday in a 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Airdrieonians, scoring the club's third along the way.  

Weah, a promising prospect for the U.S. national team, entered the match in the 69th minute with his club already two goals in front but put in a classy finish of his own 14 minutes later, slipping his first touch past the onrushing goalkeeper to put the match on ice.  

“That’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and have ever played in,” Weah told the club's website after the match. “The Celtic fans, when I scored, it was like something out of a dream. Even when Scott scored, you could feel the fans, how they really are, and I’m really honored and blessed to be here. 

“It’s always a good feeling to get that first goal on the books, and now I can go on to the next game with a bit more confidence. It’s now time for me to get back to training, continue to work on my finishing, and continue to work on gelling with the boys, even better than we have now, and just listening to all the info the gaffer’s given me, and paying attention to all the guys in training. " 

Having made his breakthrough with the USMNT in 2018, Weah is one of the top prospects for new manager Gregg Berhalter, who has taken over a team looking to rebound from the disappointment of missing out on the 2018 World Cup.  

His move to Celtic opened up the chance for more regular playing time this season, something U.S. fans will be happy to see as the national team heads into a busy international schedule with this summer's Gold Cup and the Concacaf Nations League all on tap for 2019. 

Weah, though, says his focus is on the next match with Celtic as he looks to make his way into the regular rotation. 

“It’s an amazing welcome, and as you can see with my celebration, I already love the club, and I feel honoured and blessed to even have this opportunity," he said. "Going from a team that I didn’t play as much, to come here and to be accepted by the fans, the players and the coaching staff is an amazing feeling and that makes me want to give everything out on the field, and leave my blood, sweat and tears on the pitch for the crest.   

“There’s always pressure to get that first goal, and you want to start off really good. Getting it on my debut, I’ve never done that before and that’s a blessing. I now need to focus on the next game and try to get another one, or an assist for my team, and work hard for the win.”

The club will be back in action on Wednesday in a league contest against St. Mirren.