Bosun Lawal: Celtic sign Nigeria prospect to contract extension until 2026

Nonetheless, the 20-year-old has been shipped to the English third tier for regular playing opportunities

Scottish giants Celtic have secured the future of one of their biggest young, tying Bosun Lawal down to a new three-year deal through to 2026.

However, that extension did not reflect his place in the Hoops squad as he will now go on a season-long loan to English League One side, Fleetwood Town.

Born to a Nigerian father, Lawal was part of Celtics squad for their pre-season tour of Portugal and Japan but his move to the English side would aid his growth.

For the 20-year-old, Highbury Stadium is the right place to develop, while claiming manager Scott Brown inspired his choice of joining the Fishermen.

“Back in Glasgow, Scott Brown is a huge name, and I won’t lie in saying that he was a major factor in me coming down to Fleetwood on loan for the season. It was a tough decision, but I feel this is the right place for me to develop as a footballer,” he told Fleetwood’s website.

“I think this is the right time for me to step up and play men’s football week in week out and show my potential to those at Celtic and here at Fleetwood.

“I have watched a couple of games and it was what I expected. You get games in this league where teams play rather directly and then some will want to play football and also it is very competitive. Some players in this league have played at a high level but I am ready for the task ahead.

“I am relishing the opportunity and that is what good for my development. I will get both aspects with the attacking side and also the defensive side and that bit of everything will help me develop to be a better player and these different games will help.”

Lawal – who is eligible to represent Nigeria or the Republic of Ireland at senior international level – could make his Fleetwood bow this weekend versus Derby County.