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Glasgow Live
Sport
Chris Doyle

Inside track on Celtic-bound Liam Shaw as bargain transfer tipped to be Scott Brown successor

Celtic's first order of business for next season is the pre-contract signing of Liam Shaw from Sheffield Wednesday.

The 19-year-old will join the Parkhead side in the summer and it could be the first of many personnel changes as Neil Lennon's men are expected to undergo a huge rebuild.

The youngster has excelled for the Owls this term and has been one of the silver linings from their relegation-threatened campaign.

But what can Celtic fans expect from the rising star?

We spoke to Sheffield Wednesday writer Dom Howson from our sister title Yorkshire Live to get the lowdown on the new recruit.

What can Celtic expect from Liam Shaw?

Celtic have signed a talented young footballer in Shaw.

He has really blossomed in recent months and established himself as a big part of Wednesday's first-team squad.

Is he the finished article? No, but he has bags of potential. He is a genuine all-rounder who can do a little bit of everything.

What type of midfielder is he?

He's a box to box midfielder. Shaw is not afraid to put his foot in but it's in the final third where he can do damage and make things happen.

Could he be an eventual successor to Scott Brown?

Definitely.

He is technically very good for his age and will only improve the more matches he gets under his belt.

Liam Shaw of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates after scoring (Getty)

What are his strengths?

He is big, strong, athletic with an eye for a goal.

His versatility has come to the fore in recent months. He has acquitted himself well at centre-back and in midfield.

Any weakness in his game? What can he improve on?

There is still plenty of room for improvement in his decision-making with and without the ball. He was sent off for a clumsy challenge in the Owls' draw against Reading and at the weekend against Birmingham. Tackling is certainly an area he must work on.

Does he have an eye for goal? Could he add more goals to his game?

Absolutely. With his ability, Shaw should be contributing more goals.

He can be a difficult man for opponents to pick up when he makes late runs into the box from deep.

Is it true he can slot in at centre-back too?

Yes, he has filled in there on several occasions and not looked out of place.

How much potential does he have? How high is his ceiling?

He can be as good as he wants to be. He has got a good attitude and the big thing is he wants to learn.

Were there other teams in for him?

Not that I am aware of.

Why do you think he chose Celtic?

I know it was a difficult decision for Shaw. He's a boyhood Wednesday fan and has been with the club since the age of eight. The Owls were keen to keep hold of him.

But there is a lot of uncertainty around the Owls right now. They are without a permanent manager and are fighting for their Championship lives.

By joining Celtic, Shaw has the opportunity to win trophies and play European football.

How much would have Sheffield Wednesday commanded for him in the transfer market?

It's a difficult one to answer but it is fair to say his market value would have been £1m plus.

What has the reaction been like from the Owls support?

Mixed. Some are angry that the club did not tie Shaw down to a longer deal.

Others are more philosophical and can understand why Shaw has chosen to leave.

Does he have the mentality to cope with the pressure that comes with playing for Celtic?

I think he can handle the pressure. He has got a mature head on young shoulders.

As long as people don't expect too much too soon from Shaw, I think he could do well.

Will Celtic be a good fit for him?

Yes, as long as they use him correctly. Shaw needs to be given the licence to bomb forward and join the forward line. That's when he has looked most comfortable in a Wednesday shirt.

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