With Neil Lennon no longer Celtic manager, there are a number of subplots at play when it comes to the future at Parkhead.
Of course, Peter Lawwell is set to retire in the summer but Lennon’s departure will now determine what happens in the transfer window.
If you believe reports, Liam Shaw has agreed on a pre-contract deal with the Hoops and thus will arrive on a free transfer when the market opens in the summer. It’s not known whether Lennon leaving will have an impact on the deal, but one thing we do know for certain is that conversations have taken place.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri commented earlier this week: “I thought he was going to go to Celtic – I believe that – because of the agent talking to Celtic.”
At the moment, the deal seems as good as done; and judging by his latest performance, that should be music to the ears of Nick Hammond.
Are you excited to see Shaw at Celtic?
Of course
Not really
If Celtic’s chief recruiter was watching him in action this week then he must have been delighted with his display.
The 19-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back and further forward in midfield and it was in that latter role that he flourished for the Owls, running the show from the middle of the park.
Sheffield Wednesday suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rotherham but, if there were any positives, it was the performance of Celtic-bound Shaw.
He was described as Wednesday’s ‘star man’ after the game, earning the following review from reporter Dom Howson: “Confident in possession as usual on his return to the side following a two-match suspension. Showed bags of energy and forced Johansson into a good stop.”
Indeed, it was clear to see why he was talked about so highly. During the course of the match, the teenager provided three key passes, two of which led to clear-cut opportunities to score. That number happened to be the highest of any Wednesday player in midweek.
Shaw also recorded four successful dribbles, the second-highest tally of anyone to take the field at Hillsborough. It was a dynamic performance, one where the midfielder also stood out from a defensive point of view.
No player won more than his seven ground duels, while he also prevailed in three aerial duels from four contested.
Shaw has previously been described as a player who can play “everywhere” by former Owls boss Garry Monk, so he clearly has plenty to offer.
If Celtic can conclude a deal, this looks like a player who may thrive at Parkhead. He has numerous qualities, all of which should have Hammond foaming at the mouth.
AND in other news, 8 passes all game: Celtic must wield the axe on £4.5m flop who is “not bothered”…