GIRL ON FIRE

Inside incredible football journey of Celtic Women star Jacynta from Man Utd to Napoli to dates with Carl Starfelt

IT might not be a name which trips off the tongue of most native Scottish speakers.

But Jacynta Galabadaarachchi is well on the way to becoming a household name in the world of Scottish football.

Advertisement
Jacynta has settled in Scotland
But her surname is too long for the Celtic shirtCredit: instagram/jacynta_gala
She picked up the young player of the year trophy at the PFA Scotland awardsCredit: PA

Ange Postecoglou isn't the only Celtic hero whose football journey was launched in Melbourne - with the 21-year-old - whose dad is Sri Lankan - born in the suburb of Dandenong.

She kicked off a career that would ultimately follow the Hoops boss to Scotland by following her brother kick a ball around.

Infact Postecoglou actually coached Jeremiah - but never Jacynta.

: "He coached my brother when he was 15 in the academy in Victoria, where I am from.

Advertisement
one day and quite simply, never looked back.

Her rise from that under-eight side to Celtic stardom has been rapid.

It's taken in southern Italy, London, Manchester and led to international recognition.

Advertisement

Most read in Sport

STAR DIES
Welsh rugby legend dies aged 73 after battle with Motor Neurone disease
LIV ON EDGE
Liverpool release statement on Leicester clash as fog ruins nearby matches
TOON FURORE
Newcastle assistant Tindall sent off at half-time after furious tunnel bust-up
HORROR INJURY
West Ham keeper Fabianski stretchered off in worrying scenes

She challenged state rules banning her from playing with the boys in a story that sounds remarkably like Scotland legend Rose Reilly's and eventually moved abroad to great success.

She overturned the domestic rule but three years later Galabadaarachchi moved to London aged 18 and signed for West Ham - but she had played in England even earlier and was already on the radar of several clubs.

She had been spotted by both Everton and Manchester United aged nine and offered a trial with the Red Devils there and then - and spent a further eight weeks training stint at Man City.

But back home she stepped up with their sister club in Melbourne, starred for the national Matildas then eventually caught the Hammers' attention for a permanent transfer.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Topics
Advertisement
machibet777.com