Neil Lennon’s comments on Shved in Dubai were glowing; all eyes will be on his loan progress

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Marian Shved completed his season-long loan move to Belgian side KV Mechelen this weekend, but comments from Neil Lennon earlier this year should offer him hope.

Shved’s loan spell in Belgium comes with the option to buy (BBC). That, for many, will be a key sign that Celtic are ready to cut their losses on the player originally signed from Karpaty Lviv in 2019.

However, Lennon’s comments seven months ago don’t come off as a manager who isn’t impressed with the Ukrainian’s potential.

As quoted by the Herald after Celtic’s January Dubai trip, Lennon said: “He’s doing good. He’s training well. He’s looking lively and has been a wee bit of a bonus this week.

“It’s an opportunity to just explode onto it. He’s looked very healthy and I’ve been pleased with him. It’s not easy for guys to adapt sometimes, especially if family is not there as well.

“He’s a bit of a slow burner, but he’s still young and I’ve really liked what I have seen of him. He’s been good.”

Shved’s time may not be up just yet

An option to buy may put the fear into some, but Lennon won’t just ignore Shved if he bursts into life in Belgium.

Impressing against the likes of Anderlecht, Club Brugge, and Standard Liege won’t be overlooked by a Celtic support who want to see Shved be given a chance either.

Of course, something went wrong between Celtic’s Dubai trip and the return to competitive action by the end of January. Shved only made one appearance in the following 17 games. Even that was as a late sub against Clyde in the Scottish Cup (Transfermarkt).

Perhaps it was a case of Shved simply not taking the chance. Instead, he watched on as James Forrest helped fire Celtic to nine-in-a-row.

But Lennon’s comments show he clearly sees a player in there. He also mentioned Shved’s youth back in January. Indeed, he’s only 23, so there’s still time for him to make an impact in Glasgow.

Perhaps the manager sees Karamoko Dembele as Forrest’s natural successor. But after sounding so positive about Shved’s development as recently as January, it seems difficult to imagine that the winger has blown his last chance in Glasgow.

In other news, a Djurgardens star is absolutely certain that his side will beat Celtic.