Another great prospect appears to be emerging through the youth ranks at Celtic, which is reassuring news amidst a number of youngsters leaving, including Ben Doak, who is believed to be on his way to Liverpool in the near future.
Bosun Lawal is only 18 years of age and joined Celtic from Watford last summer. It looks like another terrific deal for the Hoops, who are believed to have shelled out a compensation fee around £150k to sign the youngster, who was the Academy Player of the Season for The Hornets and already an Under-21 for the Republic of Ireland. So the prospects looked good.
By all accounts, Lawal has made an impressive start to the season with the Celtic B team. He can play in defence and in midfield. An injury while away with Republic of Ireland U21s had slowed progress somewhat but he has hit form again quickly upon on his return in early March and was named Man of the Match in his first game back.
The youngster seems to be impressing Tommy McIntyre, who appears to have high hopes of Lawal. As reported by Football Scotland, the Celtic B Team manager said about the former Watford youngster:
"“I think he’s been a real find.“He had a bad injury there and was out for a long period of time and then there were some other medical problems. He’s come back and he’s gone away with the Republic [of Ireland].“I think he can do more, and he’ll probably say the same thing I think. But that’s up to the staff to make sure we get the best out of him. He’s still young, but I think there’s potential there.“Like everybody else there’s potential, they’re not the finished article.“But he’s one we’re hopeful of for the future.”"
Can Lawal end up becoming a first-team star at Celtic?
Encouraging news and progress indeed for Lawal. Ange Postecoglou has been giving emerging players opportunities this season. While those may be limited as he aims to secure the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, there are expected to be more chances available in the season ahead, especially in pre-season.
Lawal is someone who has done very well whenever he has been the given the chance. And once he is able to put his injury problems completely behind him, one would expect him to develop even more rapidly and will hopefully make his senior debut for Celtic soon.
Lawal is believed to have turned down the likes of Chelsea and Norwich City to join Celtic. Let’s hope he can become a first-team superstar at Parkhead in the future.