Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou spent the best part of an hour speaking to assembled fan media today, in a brilliant show of respect to everyone involved.
Fielding questions on club legends, supporters, staff and players, Postecoglou went in-depth with all of his responses, giving real insight into what’s going on at the club.
Hamish from our YouTube channel attended for 67 Hail Hail, and while he was limited to one question like everyone else, he did manage to get to the bottom of one topic of intrigue – the status of Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhughide.
The youngsters arrived from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer but have yet to make a competitive appearance, despite regularly featuring in matchday squads on the bench.
Responding to 67 Hail Hail, Postecoglou said: “Osaze and Liam – it was difficult for them in the fact that sometimes when you bring in young players, and they were certainly brought in as development players, it’s much easier to bring them in when the team is settled.
“Obviously we brought them in at a time when a lot of new players were in the team and finding their way. Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to find a lot of game time for them.
“They’re working hard at training every day. They’re pushing themselves. I believe that even though they haven’t played they have improved as footballers. If you train every day with us you will improve.
“It’s about getting them the right opportunity now. That may be here, it may be a loan deal somewhere but we’ll make those decisions come January. We’ll sit down with the boys and see what the best way forward is. I believe they are improving, working hard and have a great attitude.
“Football is a funny thing. Sometimes opportunities come along when you least expect it and I say to the players consistently to be ready when it comes. Those two are.”
That’s a comprehensive update on where they currently sit in the Celtic squad. Still not quite ready to be considered starters, but developing in the background with the group and ready to be deployed when necessary.
I reckon a loan in January could well be the best thing for both players. If you consider that we’ll likely be adding two or three first-team quality picks to the squad from the transfer market, they could find themselves even further down the pecking order.
Getting regular week-to-week football elsewhere for six months could be just the ticket before returning to Celtic pre-season next summer. One to watch.
In other news, Martin O’Neill delivers honest verdict on Ange Postecoglou’s start at Celtic.
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