Celtic coach scouts 20yo Irish-Nigerian defender in Portugal

Posted : 13 July 2023

Brendan Rodgers, the newly appointed coach of Glasgow Celtic, has taken Bosun Lawal, a talented Republic of Ireland U21 international of Nigerian descent, to Portugal for a crucial warm weather training camp. This strategic move is a vital part of the club's preparations for the upcoming season.

Rodgers, known for his astute judgment in football, is carefully assessing Lawal's abilities during this training camp before making a definitive decision regarding his future with the team.

Lawal's versatility as a defender makes him an intriguing prospect, and Rodgers wants to thoroughly evaluate his potential contributions to the first team.

The coach is considering three options for Lawal: retaining him in the first team fold, loaning him out to gain valuable experience, or sending him back to the B team, where he competed last season.

Lawal's talents were highly regarded by the previous Celtic coach, Ange Postecoglou, who consistently recognized his potential.

Postecoglou even included Lawal in the first team squad for the prestigious Sydney Super Cup and provided him with numerous opportunities to train with the senior players throughout last season.

Despite being only 20 years old, Lawal received four call-ups to join the first team for matches last season.

His debut came as a substitute in a remarkable 5-0 victory over Morton in the Scottish Cup at Celtic Park in January 2023. This experience undoubtedly boosted his confidence and reinforced the club's belief in his abilities.

Lawal also enjoyed success with the Celtic B team, particularly shining during their triumph in the Glasgow Cup, where they defeated their fierce rivals, Rangers, in the final.

His performances in that competition demonstrated his potential and showcased his talent to the coaching staff.

Lawal's journey with Celtic began in the summer of 2021 when he made the decision to join the club, turning down a professional contract offer from Watford.

Notably, he had been named the Academy Player of the Year during his final season at Vicarage Road, highlighting his impressive skills and potential.

As Celtic, the reigning treble winners from the previous season, gear up for the upcoming campaign, they have lined up a series of friendly matches against Yokohama F. Marinos, Gamba Osaka, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Athletic Bilbao.

These matches will provide a valuable opportunity for Lawal and the entire team to fine-tune their skills and tactics before their season opener against Ross County on August 5.

Celtic coach scouts 20yo Irish-Nigerian defender in Portugal

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