Report: EFL club emerge as loan suitors for Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide

By Euan Davidson

January 11, 2022

EFL side Morcambe, managed by ex-Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson, have emerged as suitors for Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide according to a report.

According to the Daily Express, the Shrimps, who sit 21st in the EFL League One, want Urhoghide on loan for the second half of the season. Some permanent bids for the ex-Sheffield Wednesday man were rejected by Celtic. Fellow former Owl Liam Shaw has joined Motherwell on loan for the first half of 2022.

Urhoghide, however, may be on his way to Lancaster, with Morecambe keen on the former Sheffield Wednesday man.

Opportunities have been hard to come by for Urhoghide, one of the first arrivals at Celtic in the summer. The defender did get a chance against Real Betis, in a game Celtic won 3-2. His tenacity, ability to recover the ball and aerial presence helped the Bhoys overcome Los Verdiblancos at Celtic Park.

Robinson, who managed Motherwell between 2017 and 2020, needs reinforcements during Morecambe’s first season back in League One. A goal difference of -15 tells its own story, and the Shrimps hope Urhoghide can provide some bite and stability in their shaky defence.

Robinson has already looked to the Scottish Premiership this month. Dundee United goalkeeper Trevor Carson was loaned in last week [BBC]. For Urhoghide, the challenge of battling relegation could provide some important experience at this stage of his career.

Celtic defender Urhoghide needs game time, Morecambe could be great opportunity

While it’d be advantageous to see Urhoghide move from Celtic to an SPFL club, this might be a great opportunity for him.

Morecambe need defensive reinforcement and fast. Robinson has a proven track record, too, of developing talents who become integral to Celtic. David Turnbull was POTY and YPOTY in his first season at Paradise, in his first year after moving from Motherwell.

The test of playing in a relegation-threatened side could work wonders. Let’s be clear; that will never happen at Celtic. There are a litany of challenges a footballer can face in their development, but saving a club from relegation to a fourth tier? It won’t happen in the Hoops.

Celtic have already reaped dividends from their EFL loans this season. Lee O’Connor and Ross Doohan are at Tranmere Rovers, with the latter in particular shining for the Birkenhead side.

Scott Robertson, at Crewe Alexandra, has been excellent in spells this season. Urhoghide could be part of that cohort of Celtic players progressing nicely in the English Football League.

Will a move come to fruition? Watch this space, but it’s clear there’s interest in the Celtic youngster.

Read more: Former international assistant backs unlucky Celtic striker Giakoumakis to shine under Ange