Celtic have signed Joey Dawson from Scunthorpe with the striker going straight into the Colts team to play in the Lowland League.
The teenager made one top team appearance for Scunthorpe against Derby County in a League Cup match in 2019 but boasts a rich footballing heritage with his Dad (Andy, Hull City) and Uncle (Michael, Spurs) both playing in the EPL
Speaking to the Celtic website, Joey said:
I’m very lucky to have my uncle Michael and my Dad there to advise me. I used to sit down with my Dad and watch my games all the time. He would give me tips and he played the game for around 15 years so to have him as a supporter and parent has been invaluable to me.
The season ahead will feature Dawson playing in the Lowland League against sides like BCS, Cumbernauld Colts and East Kilbride as Celtic set off on a new development path.
Dawson added:
I’m looking forward to is playing men’s football. It’ll change me and challenge my teammates. It’s something different that we haven’t had so far. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, getting started, being competitive and, hopefully, to win as many games in that league as possible.
I’m a striker first and foremost. I like to score goals and create goals. I can also be a handful if the team need to go a bit more direct, my size and presence can handle that. I feel like I can bring a bit of everything to the team.
I want to be playing with the first-team as soon as possible. My aim is to straight away get into the Colts team, play well, score goals and get as high up the team as I can and into the first-team as soon as possible. That’s my ultimate aim.
Celtic look like fielding a very youthful side in the Lowland League formed mainly from last season’s u-18 squad.
After a couple of seasons without any sort of Reserve League joining the Lowland League appears to be the springboard to push Academy players into the professional game.
