Talented defender Lawal shines for Celtic in 1-0 win against Gamba Osaka

New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gave pre-season game time to Republic of Ireland U21 international of Nigerian heritage Bosun Lawal as his side returned to winning ways by beating Japanese outfit Gamba Osaka 1-0 at the Panasonic Stadium Suita (Suita) on Saturday afternoon.

Lawal is one of the outstanding youngsters in the Celtic academy and is being linked with a temporary departure from Parkhead before the close of the summer transfer window in search of first team football. 

Despite his defensive qualities, he proved he has an eye for goal with six in nineteen outings combined in the Lowland League and Challenge Cup over the course of the 2022-2023 season. 

The versatile defender was not utilized off the bench by the Northern Irish football tactician as the Scottish Premiership champions were beaten 6-4 by Yokohama F Marinos on Wednesday. 

Against Gamba Osaka today, Lawal entered the game as a substitute at halftime, with Rodgers making a full rotation at the break.

The 20-year-old looked lively after coming off the bench, making timely tackles to snuff out Gamba Osaka's attacking threat.  

Argentine left-back Alexandro Bernabei won the ball off the goalkeeper and slotted home what proved to be the game-winning goal with five minutes left on the clock.

Lawal headed a shot out for a corner as Gamba Osaka probed for an equaliser in the closing minutes. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: celticfc.com 

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