CWMBRAN Celtic captain Rakesh Patel will play his 400th game for the club tomorrow when Cwmamman United are the visitors to Celtic Park in the JD Cymru South.

Patel started playing football for the Fairwater School Football Academy and he made his first senior appearance for Cwmbran Town in the Welsh Premier League in the 2006-2007 season.

In 2007-2008, Cwmbran Celtic joined forces with the academy and Patel was a member of the Celtic Youth side that won the Welsh League East Division title.

The midfielder also made his first appearance for the first team that season, against Tredegar Town in September 2007 when he was 19.

Patel has proven his versatility this season by playing as a right-back, centre-back and in central midfield.

He has scored 33 goals in his Celtic career, including seven penalties, and was named club captain last season. He also had a dual player/coach role from 2015 to 2018.

Celtic manager Nicky Morgan said: “Kesh has been one of the most consistent, reliable and talented players on the Welsh football scene for the last 10 years.

“Although he’s been wanted by nearly every league manager, he’s been a loyal servant to Cwmbran Celtic and his 400th game is a wonderful milestone.

“On top of this, off the pitch he is one of nicest guys you’re ever likely to meet.”

South Wales Argus:

Patel and his teammates will hope to mark the occasion with a win at home to bottom-but-one Cwmamman tomorrow (kick-off 2pm).

Celtic are three places and six points above their opponents in 12th place after last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Llantwit Major, a victory that saw Morgan’s men climb out of the bottom three.

Chris Ham’s penalty on 63 minutes proved decisive for Celtic, who had earlier taken a 10th minute lead through Louis Feeley before Lewis James levelled for Llantwit nine minutes before half time.

Celtic have now won two and drawn one of their last four games, a run which includes a narrow defeat at high-flying Swansea University.

Undy Athletic are now just two points and two places above Celtic in 10th place, albeit with two games in hand.

Mark Crook’s side, who haven’t played since a 5-3 win over Afan Lido on November 30, travel to ninth-placed Cambrian & Clydach tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

Risca United, the only other unbeaten side in the division, are in action tonight in the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One when they host AFC Llwydcoed (kick-off 7.30pm).

Tomorrow’s 2pm games see Aberbargoed Buds welcome Port Talbot Town to the Recreational Ground, Croesyceiliog travel to Garden Village, Caldicot Town go to Pontardawe Town and Goytre head to Trefelin Boys & Girls Club.

In Division Two (all 2pm kick-offs) Abertillery Bluebirds host Ynyshir Albions, Albion Rovers welcome Newport City to Kimberley Park, Chepstow Town host Trethomas Bluebirds, Panteg take on Aberdare Town at home, Tredegar Town go to Treharris Athletic Western and Treowen Stars host West End.