NEW Bhoy Liam Shaw was singled out for special praise as Ange Postecoglou praised his Celtic kids after the team’s 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday yesterday.
The versatile 20-year-old midfielder has just arrived at Parkhead after signing a pre-contract to quit the Hillsborough club who were relegated to the English third tier at the ed of a disastrous season.
Shaw was one of a raft of youngsters being watched by new boss Ange Postecoglou as they got the opportunity to shine in front of Neil Lennon’s successor.
The one-time Australia international manager was sufficiently impressed to say several of the talented babes possess the qualities to force their way into his plans in the new campaign.
Postecoglou said: “I don’t see why not. They’re working hard. They’ve been really positive about everything, in terms of trying to play the way we want to. It’s good now to have the whole group so the young lads can measure themselves against the established lads.
“It was a good opportunity for them. They don’t often get the opportunity to be in front of the manager for such a long time. It was good for me. I might not have got a look at some of the younger boys if we had had the full squad from the beginning.
“They’re working hard and we’re going to need a strong squad.”
The gaffer, speaking to the Glasgow Times, added: “Liam Shaw was good. He grew into the game, like a lot of the young guys.
“All the players who started have been there since the first day of pre-season. So, they’ve done a bit of work already. Liam’s got real presence about him. He’s a big lad. He’s only beginning his steps in the professional world.
“I’m not even thinking about starters or non-starters. We’ve just got the bulk of the squad back for this camp. We’ve had literally two sessions with them.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. The key thing is we try to get everyone in great condition for the first game. In terms of who starts, there is plenty of time to think about that.”
Celtic are scheduled to take on the Danes of FC Midtjylland in the first leg of the Champions League second round qualifier at Parkhead a week on Tuesday with the return due eight days later.
Next up, though, is another closed-doors encounter against Charlton in Newport on Saturday afternoon.
