Celtic have confirmed the signing of highly-rated youngster Joey Dawson from Scunthorpe United on a three-year deal. The 18-year-old goalscorer agreed terms with Celtic this week and will join the Reserves ahead of the Colts’ debut in the Lowland League for the 2021/22 season.
Dawson came through the youth ranks at Scunthorpe United and, at just 16-years-old, became the youngest ever player to make his first-team debut with the club when he played against Derby County in the English League Cup in August 2019.
Speaking to Celtic TV after finalising his deal, the striker reckoned it was an easy decision to make when he got the chance to sign for Celtic.
“I feel a bit overwhelmed,” the new Celt said. “Looking around the stadium, you can sense the magnitude of the club and it’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe without a doubt. After seeing the facilities and meeting the people, it’s an honour to be here and I’m looking forward to getting started now.
‘One thing that enticed me after talking to Chris McCart, Willie McStay and Tommy McIntyre was the winning mentality of this club and it’s something I want to be a part of.’
“That can only breed success and it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”
Dawson is from a footballing family with his dad having played for Hull City and his uncle for Tottenham, and the New Celtic signing has both in his corner when it comes to support, encouragement and advice.
“I’m very lucky to have my uncle Michael and my Dad there to advise me,” he said. “I used to sit down with my Dad and watch my games all the time. He would give me tips and he played the game for around 15 years so to have him as a supporter and parent has been invaluable to me.”
The youngster is clearly looking forward to the challenge of playing against senior pros next season in the Celtic Colts team.
“I’m looking forward to is playing men’s football,” he said. “It’ll change me and challenge my teammates. It’s something different that we haven’t had so far. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, getting started, being competitive and, hopefully, to win as many games in that league as possible.
“I’m a striker first and foremost. I like to score goals and create goals. I can also be a handful if the team need to go a bit more direct, my size and presence can handle that. I feel like I can bring a bit of everything to the team.
“I want to be playing with the first-team as soon as possible. My aim is to straight away get into the Colts team, play well, score goals and get as high up the team as I can and into the first-team as soon as possible. That’s my ultimate aim.”
🍀 #CelticFC have ✍️ highly-rated youngster Joey Dawson from @SUFCOfficial on a 3⃣ year deal.👏
The 18-year-old striker agreed terms with Celtic this week and will join the Reserves ahead of the Colts’ debut in the @OfficialSLFL for the 2021/22 season.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 18, 2021
Speaks like a man, looks like a man – let’s hope he plays like a man. Welcome to the biggest and most successful club in Scotland Mr Dawson.