Jonathan Afolabi, Celtic's new signing, is looking to grab his opportunity with the Scottish champions, to showcase what it is the Ireland Under-19 international has to offer Neil Lennon and his new teammates.
The Tallaght striker, who can also dovetail on the wing, is a product of Southampton's youth set-up, having made a plethora of appearances at both Under-18 and Under-23 level.
Afolabi played an important role in Ireland's march to the semi-finals of the European Under-19 Championship under Tom Mohan's tutelage, last month.
He was at Celtic Park on Saturday to watch Celtic beat Dunfermline 2-1 in the Scottish League Cup, courtesy of a James Forrest winner in Extra-time.
Afolabi has told the club's website of his delight in joining the club and linking up with some familiar faces in Barry Coffey and Luca Connell.
https://youtu.be/SDoVb6cpmGo
"It’s been great so far. This is a big move for me and everything has been going well so far. The boys have been very welcoming, the fans have been great as well, and I’m delighted to be part of this family now. I can’t wait to drive forward from here.
“I know Luca Connell from when we travelled to Russia to play in the European Qualifiers for the Ireland Under-19s, and I likewise know Barry Coffey from the international set-up too.”
Focusing on Celtic's penchant for bringing through younger players from the academy, along with the clubs history, were also points of note in the players reasons for choosing the Glasgow side.
The hard work involved in endeavouring to break into Lennon's first team, is something that isn't lost on the Dubliner either.
“With such a talented pool of players, it’s going to take time and hard work to break in, to prove myself to the manager and the dressing room – but that’s something I would have to do anyway. Hopefully I can get a bit of time on the pitch in the future to showcase what I’ve got.”
Comments