The 2 Celtic loan departures that look inevitable this January

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Celtic pair Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide only arrived earlier this year, but the time has already come for them to head out on loan.

The former Sheffield Wednesday pair were snapped up as long-term projects, and the next stage of that simply must be a spell away from Glasgow.

Shaw was brought in before Ange Postecoglou pitched up. Urhoghide, however, appeared very much an Ange signing as he talked up the player after his arrival [Celtic FC].

A report emerged in the Scottish Sun last month stating both were fighting for their Parkhead futures. That came across as extremely premature with important context needing placed on their situation. They were signed as long-term projects and need a lot more time before being judged outright.

However, it was also mentioned in the same report that both could seek loan moves in January if their first-team situation didn’t improve.

As things stand, the pair have been involved in 4 matchday squads combined. That’s not a return that suggests staying for the second half of the campaign would be in their best interests.

It’s time for Celtic to sanction loan moves for Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide

Keeping them in Scotland for the first half of the season was always the right move. It was important they learned more about the club and integrated themselves into life here. It also allowed them to develop an understanding of the demands placed on his players by Ange Postecoglou.

But that doesn’t mean that they should be robbed of a full year of senior football. Remember, Urhoghide is 21. Shaw, meanwhile, is 20 years of age. B team football in the Lowland League won’t cut it.

Nobody expected the summer signings to make an immediate impact. There was always going to be a process involved here. The Celtic fans are happy to appreciate that. But the next phase of that plan needs to be a spell away.

And that could be something that trickles into next season too. It’s clear based on what Postecoglou is seeing at the moment that he wants more from his young duo. He won’t get it if they’re out of matchday squads and not being given an opportunity at senior football.

Lower league football down south or a move to another Scottish Premiership side would be ideal proving grounds for the duo. But it’s something the club needs to try and get done.

We don’t want to be sitting here in 12 months’ time saying the same thing. Fingers crossed the next stage in their development paths’ involve much-needed senior minutes.

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