What role Liam Shaw is likely to fill after arriving at Celtic

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Liam Shaw finally arrived at Celtic today, and he certainly came across superbly in his first official interview.

The former Sheffield Wednesday prodigy talked up the opportunity to come to Glasgow and add trophies to his youthful CV [Celtic TV]. The supporters were impressed with how he came across, and it’s fair to say he looked absolutely buzzing to be a part of the club.

But it’s also important that he’s given the space and time to grow. So far, Shaw has only made 28 senior appearances for Wednesday and in a brief loan at Chesterfield [Transfermarkt]. There will be plenty for him to learn after making a big step to the Scottish Premiership.

And, judging by what John Kennedy said about the new signing in February, it appears he could be one for the development side for now. After Celtic first completed the signing of Shaw, the former interim boss said the following as quoted by the Scottish Sun.

“Liam has been tracked and monitored for a little while now. We are excited by him.

“He is young, athletic and has good qualities. He can play midfield and at the back, and is one for the future.”

No instant expectations on Liam Shaw at Celtic; he isn’t Scott Brown’s immediate successor

It’s easy to see why some may feel he was chosen to be Scott Brown’s successor. He’s only 20 and is a box-to-box midfielder, similar to what Brown was in his younger days. Shaw’s main attributes, like the former captain’s, however, is in his defensive work.

But Shaw looks as though his immediate assignment at Celtic will be to join up with the development squad. Whilst training regular with the first-team will be essential for his development and ensuring he gets used to the club, Celtic clearly didn’t sign him to make an impact now. Kennedy’s remark tells you as much.

There’s no point several months into the campaign wondering where Shaw is. Or questioning whether he’s a flop because he hasn’t played yet. Celtic look to have a plan in place regarding the youngster, and competition remains high in the engine room at present.

Ismaila Soro looks to be the man in line to immediately replace Brown. That’s even if new boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t go out and make another signing in the central midfield position. There’s still scope for him to bring one in, with the experienced Aaron Mooy already been linked [The World Game].

So it’s important that Shaw isn’t rushed into the first-team too soon and that patience is shown with him. This doesn’t come across as a signing that’s meant to be one for the here and now.

We have plenty of midfield talent in the youth ranks ready to hear about their next step too. The likes of Luca Connell, Scott Robertson, and Kerr McInroy have all impressed on loan this season at varying levels. Shaw’s time will come, but it may not be immediately.

In other news, this reported Celtic target is said to be on £60k-per-week.