Gerrard was my hero but my aim now is to help Celtic regain title

AS a young English midfielder who wants to be at the heart of the action, it’s not really a surprise that Liam Shaw grew up trying to model his game on Steven Gerrard.

The hero worship is definitely over now, of course. Joining Celtic has placed Shaw firmly on the opposite side of Glasgow’s footballing divide to the Rangers manager. He is well aware of that.

All of the 20-year-old’s energies are being invested in becoming a success at Parkhead. And that ultimately means helping to wrestle the Premiership title out of Gerrard’s grasp.

It’s a challenge Shaw will meet with boundless enthusiasm. Signed on a pre-contract deal from Sheffield Wednesday during Neil Lennon’s tenure, he made his debut in this week’s 3-1 friendly win over his former club.

That appearance offered a little snapshot of his playing style. Tall and rangy, Shaw showed aggression, some nice touches and an ability to time his runs into the opposition penalty area. He gave the impression of someone constantly eager to influence the game in any way possible.

Asked who he admired as a kid, Shaw confessed the former captain of Liverpool and England provided the blueprint for the kind of player he wanted to be.

‘My favourite was Gerrard, that type,’ said Shaw. ‘Just the way he was as a player, he inspired me to be that type of all-action midfielder who is up and down the pitch, works his socks off and scores a lot of goals as well.’

Glasgow being what it is, any mention of someone who works across the city tends to raise some eyebrows. But Shaw was simply being honest. And perhaps a little innocent.

Now that Gerrard is the boss of a Rangers side preparing to defend their status as champions, Shaw is determined to do what he can to inflict damage on his one-time role model. This Yorkshire lad knows reclaiming the title is Celtic’s No 1 priority.

‘Obviously, when we start the season we just want to win as much as we can and we’ll be trying to do that, definitely,’ he said.

First, though, Shaw will have to convince Ange Postecoglou that he should be given a starting role in a team currently being rebuilt. Part of Wednesday’ s youth set-up from the age of eight, he is capable of playing in defence but prefers to operate further forward. ‘That is my best position, No8,’ continued Shaw. ‘I am a box-to-box midfielder. But I will play anywhere as long as I’m playing. I can play centre-back and the holding role.

‘One of my qualities, I would say, is arriving into the box late, showing that I can score, creating different types of mayhem round the box. I like being in and around the box scoring goals.’

The process of impressing Postecoglou is already underway. The new Parkhead boss was pleased with Shaw’s performance in the midweek friendly, albeit understandably reluctant to predict just how quickly the youngster could secure a regular place in his plans.

Shaw didn’t expect Postecoglou to be in charge when his Celtic switch was set in motion back in February. But the initial impressions have been positive.

‘He is a good manager,’ said Shaw (left). ‘I respect him. He is trying to get his philosophies and his style across to us. It is quick, attacking football — always looking forward.

‘On the flip-side of that, when you give the ball away he wants everyone to press quick. It is positive football. When I give the ball away I do like to press so, yeah, it suits me.

‘Can he make me a better player? Definitely. As I said, I have got great respect for him. You can see he is a good man-manager.

‘I am sure he can help develop me, help all the team, help all the different players. I am just really happy to be here working with him.’

Shaw is far from the finished article. Previously on loan at Chesterfield, he has yet to hit the 30-mark in terms of senior appearances. A degree of patience might be required but he is clear about a wish to press his case through actions rather than words.

‘That is obviously up to the gaffer,’ said Shaw. ‘I can only do my bit and work as hard as I can in training and in the games to try and show my ability. Then it is up to the gaffer whether he thinks I’m fit to play or not. You have got to back yourself as a footballer, you have got to believe in your own ability. I think that’s really important. It has got me where I am today.’

The manager is calm and confident. He’s so convincing in everthing that he does

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