Celtic believe two B-team gems in Bosun Lawal and Dane Murray are ‘more advanced in their development’ than Ange Postecoglou’s first transfer at Parkhead, Osaze Urhoghide.
That’s according to The Athletic, who note Bhoys chiefs rate both young stars extremely highly. So much so, that some in Glasgow consider Lawal and Murray to be closer to the first-team level than Urhoghide, who they signed viewed as a senior player last summer.
Urhoghide is also three-years their elder at 21, and moved from Sheffield Wednesday in July after 21 first-team appearances. Yet Murray has made more senior outings with the Hoops this season than the Owls product. Lawal, meanwhile, is yet to play senior games.
Postecoglou even gave Urhoghide his Celtic debut and, so far, only appearance out of his preferred position. The centre-half played at right-back during the Bhoys’ Europa League group stage win at home to Real Betis in December. He has since been sent out on loan.
As for Murray, Postecoglou took an early look at the 18-year-old in August during Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers with Midtjylland. He replaced Liel Abada at half-time in the first-leg, before starting the reverse tie. The Scotland U21 talent is yet to play again since.
Celtic feel Bosun Lawal and Dane Murray are ‘more advanced’ than Osaze Urhoghide
Yet despite Lawal and Murray’s slender senior selections so far, Celtic feel they are more advanced in their development than Urhoghide. Club chiefs now sense both may have a chance at first-team futures, and will consider their roles or loan transfers this summer.
They could also remain regulars at B-team level, if the Bhoys qualify for the Champions League next season. A premier European berth will bring UEFA Youth League football to Glasgow. So, Lawal and Murray may stay at Parkhead until at least the January window.
Urhoghide, on the other hand, may have already played his one and only Celtic game in December. The Englishman joined Belgian outfit KV Oostende on loan in January with an option to buy, The Athletic add. But he has only made three appearances over six games.
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