Irish-Nigerian teenager trains with Celtic first team ahead of St Johnstone clash

Glasgow Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou once again monitored Republic of Ireland U21 international of Nigerian descent Bosun Lawal at close quarters on Friday ahead of his side's Premiership clash against St. Johnstone. 

Lawal trained with the first team last week but was left out of the matchday squad against Motherwell, and also rubbed shoulders with the first team stars during pre-season preparations. 

The Scottish champions still have issues in central defence and midfield to address, with Carl Starfelt ruled out of the game against St Johnstone and Cameron Carter-Vickers short on match fitness having resumed training on Thursday following a spell on the sidelines. 

Aaron Mooy is rated as touch and go, while another midfielder in David Turnbull  is ruled out of today's game as he is suffering from tonsillitis.

Lawal is pushing to be named in the matchday squad given that he's comfortable playing as a central defender and defensive midfielder. 

Although the former Watford schoolboy is an U21 player, he has spent less than two years at Celtic and does not qualify to be registered on Celtic's Champions League roster List B. 

Lawal has scored five goals for Celtic B this season, including three in the Lowland League - the fifth tier of Scottish football. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : celtiofc.com 

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