BOSUN LAWAL’S first appearance for Stoke City has been put on hold following last week’s £2million switch from Celtic.
The versatile Republic of Ireland Under-21 international joined the Championship club in his pursuit of game-time.
However, Lawal will be forced to wait for his debut after an issue was flagged up during his medical.
Jon Walters, the club’s sporting director, remains adamant the 21-year-old centre-back or midfield anchorman will make a massive impact as the team strive to get into the top flight.
He said: “Bosun is going to be a huge player for the club in terms of where we want to get to.
GREEN FOR GO…Bosun Lawal in action during Celtic’s 1-1 draw in the friendly against Ayr United at Somerset Park last month.
“It was a tough deal to get done and we jumped ahead of a lot of big teams to get his signature, which we’re delighted about.
“But the medical highlighted something that we didn’t know about and Celtic didn’t know about. Other teams might pull away from a deal because they want a player to be immediately available and we were looking a bit short of numbers in certain positions.”
Walters, speaking to the local media, added: “But this was a long-term signing for the club of someone who matches our ambitions.
“Why would we be put off by a short-term issue which won’t take long to resolve? It doesn’t change him as a player.
“Our ambitions as a football club are to be right at the top. His ambitions as a player are the same, too. You take that into account, it’s a long-term decision rather than be put off by getting just another body in.”
Lawal, who agreed a four-year contract at the Potteries outfit, was part of Brendan Rodgers’ squad for the three-game tour of the States and figured in some of the action.
WELCOME TO STOKE…Bosun Lawal in the colours of his new club.
However, the powerfully-built Dubliner did not feature in either of the 20-man matchday squads for the opening two Premiership games of the new season against Kilmarnock (4-0) and Hibs (2-0).
That opened the door for Stoke to make their move and the champions did not want to stand in the youngster’s way.
Lawal had impressed during his season-long loan at Fleetwood Town where he was converted to a midfield enforcer and scored six goals in 47 appearances for Scott Brown’s former club.
The utility ace took to social media to say farewell to the champions with the heartfelt message: “Special special club will be missed. Thanks to everyone involved for making my time at Celtic FC enjoyable.”
The medical issue is seen as “minor”, but there is no timeline for Lawal’s first outing for his new club.
