Celtic youngster Joey Dawson has lifted the lid on his family's reaction to a surprise Hoops debut - after he had to CANCEL a visit to see them.
Dawson, the nephew of former England and Spurs defender Michael, was substituted on for the injured Kyogo Furuhashi on Boxing Day against St Johnstone.
Dad Andy and another uncle, Kevin, also played for various Football League clubs and so it was a proud moment watching the 18-year-old come off the bench.
Michael reacted live to the debut on Sky's Soccer Special programme alongside Jeff Stelling and the rest of the crew in a clip that Celtic fans have loved.
Speaking to the Celtic website, Dawson said: "It’s unbelievable and such a proud moment for me and my family.
"Tommy (McIntyre), the B team manager, rang me on the 23rd and said I can't go home for Christmas because the first team might need me. A bit of a disappointment but bittersweet - it's all worth it.
"I’ve come a long way in a short space of time, so I just need to stay grounded and keep working hard to hopefully get more appearances.
"It’s massive for me making my Celtic debut at such a young age, it’s a great honour but now I need to keep working hard.
"Honestly, I probably didn’t think the debut would come this season, but in football, anything can happen.'
"So that’s why I always have to be ready to take my chance and hopefully I did that today."
Dawson almost clinched a dream debut goal but was foiled on the line after beating Zander Clark.
"I was devastated it didn’t go in,” he added. “I don’t know how he got there to be fair.
"After I dinked the keeper I thought it was in and I had my debut goal but they’ve just stretched to keep it off the line.'
"Me scoring isn’t the main thing, the most important thing is the win.
"Having a taste of it today has just made me want more and hopefully I can keep working hard and score more goals."
