Celtic sign Shaw while Lennon eyes more deals

Parkhead manager to press on with plans for transfers

CELTIC have agreed a pre-contract deal with Sheffield Wednesday youngster Liam Shaw, with manager Neil Lennon saying he is pressing on with his transfer plans for next season.

Lennon revealed that the 19-year-old midfielder had agreed terms to join the club this summer as part of his rebuild of the squad, with the Celtic boss fully expecting to lead his side into next season.

“Of course I’m involved in the planning for the next transfer window,” Lennon said. “I haven’t said that I wouldn’t be [here next season].

“I’ve not yet spoken to Dominic McKay, but I speak to Peter [Lawwell] every day. I speak to Dermot [Desmond], I speak to Nick Hammond.

“We’ve completed a deal for Liam Shaw, he’s signed a pre-contract. So, that’s done and we’re looking ahead.”

Lennon doesn’t believe that there will be huge changes to the Celtic playing personnel in the months ahead, as he discussed some of the difficulties associated with scouting during the Covid pandemic.

And he is hopeful that perhaps some of the players who wanted to move on from the club last summer may be persuaded that their future lies with Celtic after all.

“Things can change: mindsets can change and a lot of the players are looking very happy at the minute, albeit we’re well behind and it’s not been good enough,” he said.

“Some of them have been put through the wringer, getting abused and criticised but there’s been an improvement and we’re looking ahead now.

“We’ll take each individual on his own merits, the pros and cons and whether it represents good business keeping them here. What their thoughts are on the on-coming season, where we need to improve the team as well.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a massive overhaul. People can over emphasise things, make it sound dramatic. Listen, we’ve got a bit of work to do. And that’s a challenge in itself – but it’s an exciting one.”