The Premier League International Cup sees some of the best Academy sides from across Europe face off against one-another in a group stage format.

So there is plenty of entertaining action as English Premier League teams take on opponents from across the continent.

That was certainly the case on Friday evening as the young Celtic FC B squad went up against Brighton and Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium.

Currently flying high in the top flight of English football under the management of Italian Roberto De Zerbi, the Seagulls have earned somewhat of a reputation in recent years from bringing through some top talent, including the likes of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson.

On Friday evening, the Celts faced off against the Brighton Academy side and it was a thrilling night of action.

Unfortunately for the Hoops it ended in late defeat as a 96^th minute winner secured all three points for the English side.

However, it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying. After falling 3-0 down inside thirty minutes, goals from Mackenzie Carse, Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly pulled the Bhoys level, before the late heartache.

Speaking to Celtic TV in the aftermath of the performance, B Team coach Stephen McManus expressed the pride in his squad who came away with nothing from the match, despite putting in an impressive display on the night.

He said: “We don’t start the game well at all. To concede poor goals the way we did was disappointing on our behalf.

“But the boys really stuck at it, the way we asked them to play. They were really brave out of possession and had loads of intensity in their way.

“We caused Brighton a lot problems in the way we were set up and how we were set up to press. But the courage, the bravery and the resilience they showed to comeback from 3-0 down, they were terrific.

“Some of the performances were immense and the energy levels that they put in. You look at Daniel Kelly and Mackenzie Carse or Mitchel Frame. Magnus Mackenzie hasn’t played a lot of games recently.

'The boys have also just come back from international duty as well. So there are loads of positives within the performance, and we are absolutely delighted.'

“Obviously we are bitterly disappointed with the result and to concede so late on in the game. But the boys gave us absolutely everything.

“This is the reason why we take these games. You can get punished against really top opposition. So it’s another great learning experience for the boys.”

Stephen McManus: We're immensely proud of the performance after comeback display