LIAM’S A SHAW THING AT WELL

LIAM SHAW is “ready” to show his midfield skills during his short-term loan at Motherwell.

The youngster has made only one start for Celtic since his arrival from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, but boss Graham Alexander is convinced he will hit the ground running at Firk Park.

The former Scotland international defender, who took over as manager at the Lanarkshire club a year ago, also thanked the Hoops for getting the move completed without a hitch.

Alexander said: “We see Liam fitting in with his profile. He’s motivated and it was a quick deal to do with Celtic, so we appreciate that.

“He’s ready. We have a really good squad, a competitive one, but it was just the right time to add one or two if we can to try and keep that momentum we have at the minute.”

GREEN FOR GO…Liam Shaw watches Liel Abada just fail to connect with a right-wing cross in the goalless draw with St Mirren in Paisley last month.

Shaw’s only start came in the 3-2 Europa League Group G win over Real Betis at Parkhead last month and he also had a nine-minute cameo in the team’s goalless draw against St Mirren in Paisley three days before Christmas.

Ange Postecoglou is eager for the skilful 21-year-old some game-time and he is likely to get that at Well.

Ewan Henderson has already moved to Hibs on a switch that will become permanent at the end of the season – as CQN reported yesterday – and Ivorian Ismaila Soro is on the wanted list of MLS giants New York Red Bulls, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

One ex-Celt Shaw may not be joining up with at Well is striker Tony Watt with Alexander fearing Dundee United may yet succeed in luring the frontman away after securing him for next summer on a pre-contract.

The Lanarkshire gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “We’re happy with the squad we have, but we have players going out of contract soon and we’re guarding against something happening with one of those guys.

“We’ve also had the Covid issue. We had seven players missing and four members of staff in the last week.

“We’ve had to look at the squad and make sure we have sufficient numbers to see us through.

“We’re looking for certain players who fit our profile and are motivated to come and play games.”

Alexander also confirmed he will not be resurrecting his summer interest in free agent Kyle Lafferty.