Bosun Lawal ready as ever to make breakthrough at Celtic…
Bosun Lawal has come a long way since swapping the banks of the River Liffey for the banks of the River Colne when he left Dublin club Bohemians to join Watford four years ago.
The Blanchardstown native rejected a pro deal at Watford in favour of making the move to the East End of Glasgow in 2021, and after two seasons at the club he looks prise to make the breakthrough into the Celtic first team this season.
Lawal joined EFL League One side Fleetwood Town last summer on loan in what would turn out to be a highly productive loan spell for the 21-year-old.
The Irishman featured in three different positions under three different managers, but it was under current Fleetwood Town manager Charlie Adams whom Lawal would shine brightest under.
Having featured at both full back positions and at centre back by the half way point of the season, Adams saw the elite physical attributes which Lawal possessed and felt he would excel in the middle of the park. And excel is exactly what the 6’2 Dubliner did.
In 2024, Lawal would start 21 of Fleetwood’s remaining 22 league games in midfield, playing the majority of his football as a number eight but occasionally dropping in as a number six as he scored five goals and registered two assists from those 21 matches.
The Celt’s upturn in attacking output and brilliant form was not enough to prevent Fleetwood from dropping down to League 2, but it was enough to earn him a call up to the Irish Senior team.
Lawal trained with John O’Shea’s squad ahead of their friendly clash with Hungary last month before helping the Ireland u21’s secure a secure a 3-2 victory over Croatia and a 0-0 draw with England.
The Dubliner has continued his spiralling development into Celtic’s pre-season, making a positive impression off the bench against Ayr United last Friday night resulting in praise from Brendan Rodgers.
Inclusion in the Irish senior set up, a breakout year in League One along with a current lack of depth in Celtic’s midfield all points to a potential breakout pre season for Lawal.
Celtic may have yet to make a signing so far this summer, but Lawal has returned to Glasgow a different player to the one who ventured down south seven months ago.
Almost a new signing?
Maybe.
James French
