Tommy McIntyre hails Bosun Lawal as a ‘real find’ for Celtic and is ‘hopeful’ the defender is able to fulfil his potential to be a future star at Parkhead, via quotes by Football Scotland.
The Hoops snapped up the 18-year-old last summer from Watford on a three-year contract against interest from Chelsea and Norwich City. Lawal believed the move to Glasgow was a better fit for his development, as it could offer him first-team opportunities much sooner.
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Ange Postecoglou is yet include the Republic of Ireland U21 international in any of his sides so far, though. Lawal also endured a lengthy absence through injury earlier this term which kept the ex-Hornets prospect from further enhancing his reputation in McIntyre’s B-Team.
Nonetheless, Lawal has left a glowing impression on some staff in Celtic’s academy set-up. The Athletic even reported in March that Parkhead figures believe the Irishman and Dane Murray are ‘more advanced in their development’ than first-team arrival Osaze Urhoghide.
Urhoghide endured a disappointing first few months in Scotland after his summer switch from Sheffield Wednesday. Postecoglou fielded the 21-year-old just once before sending him to Oostende on loan with an option to buy, where he has so far played seven games.
Tommy McIntyre states Celtic ‘hopeful’ Bosun Lawal has bright Parkhead future
McIntyre still feels Celtic can unearth more from Lawal, despite his impressive campaign in his B-Team fold so far. But he is confident in the defender’s potential and takes ownership with his coaches in needing to ensure the teenager fulfils his potential whilst in Glasgow.
“I think he’s been a real find,” McIntyre said. “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.”
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