Sheffield Wednesday boss unhappy with how club dealt with Celtic pair Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide

By David Walton

July 7, 2021

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore isn’t happy with how easily Celtic were able to sign Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide.

Shaw had already agreed to leave the Owls for the Hoops by the time Moore was appointed back in March. Urhoghide, meanwhile, was into the final few months of his contract and had already decided he was leaving.

Both deals seriously angered Wednesday fans who felt their club could’ve done more to keep their best young talents. Celtic fans could get their first glimpse of the duo in today’s friendly against Wednesday.

But Moore believes the Hoops wouldn’t have gotten a freebie on the duo had he been there earlier. He’s been touching on Celtic’s new signings, and classily wished them all the best in the build-up.

As quoted by the Glasgow Times, Moore said: “Celtic have made two wonderful signings and there’s much more to come from both of them. They’ve got a lot to offer to Celtic. We were anxious to keep them both. But once you get that side of the year, after January, it’s very difficult for you to strike deals.

“Players of their magnitude, you don’t let them get to that side of their contract. Had I been at the club a lot earlier then that wouldn’t have happened. I tried to keep Osaze in the building. But the boy had already made up his mind by the time I came in. I got it and I understood it, as disappointing as it was. I tried as hard as I could.

“But it was especially difficult for me because no sooner had I come in then I picked up Covid. That forced me away from things for a period and I didn’t really get the chance to get hold of Osaze. They are both good lads and we wish them well in their new adventures at Celtic. Hopefully, they’ll both be good additions for the football club.”

Darren Moore shows his class; wishes Celtic pair well

Moore has come across as a class act in the build-up to today’s pre-season clash. If he hasn’t been talking up how “wonderful” it is to be playing Celtic, he’s wishing his former duo well at the club.

It would be very easy for Moore to hold some spite. Some of their supporters certainly do. But all credit to him – he shows a desire to rise above it all. Moore doesn’t come across as interested in having a pop.

Instead, he’s chosen to look internally, and rightfully so. There’s only one reason to blame for Wednesday not holding onto their top talents. When players of the potential of Shaw and Urhoghide are allowed to enter the final six months of their contracts, you have to expect this.

Celtic have simply been the beneficiary of some very poor work at the English League One club. It’s no wonder Shaw and Urhoghide didn’t want to stay considering Wednesday were relegated to the third-tier last season.

Now, all focus is on whether the pair are good enough. Combined, Shaw and Urhoghide only have 45 senior appearances in football to their name. There’s a lot of learning to get through.

And as kick-off draws near this afternoon, it’s exciting for us to finally get our first experience of watching them in action.

In other news, the latest on Aaron Hickey should be a concern for Celtic.