Celtic youngster Joey Dawson is determined to earn more opportunities under Ange Postecoglou after making his first-team debut against St Johnstone just before the winter break.
After making the bench in Perth on Boxing Day, the 18-year old was given a surprise call into the action after frontman Kyogo Furuhashi picked up an injury. The Englishman even came close to getting on the scoresheet but was denied by a goal-line clearance.
The experience has made Dawson more determined to earn that opportunity once again, though, by working hard with Tommy McIntyre’s B side and continuing to show his worth for the young side.
“At the time, I was just focusing on the game; I wasn’t thinking about everything else that comes with making your debut. It was crazy, and I’m obviously still very proud of it,” he said, speaking to the club’s website.
“It’s a big confidence booster as well, knowing that the manager put his trust in you for the game.
“It makes you want it more. I’ve just got to keep working hard and keep scoring goals for the B team.”
After experiencing the first-team action in December, Dawson is expected to return back to the Celtic B squad that is set to take on Caledonian Braves in the Lowland League tomorrow afternoon.
However, that one sub appearance could prove to be a massive boost for the former Scunthorpe striker, motiving himself and other teammates with the possibility of an opportunity in the first team at stake.
It has been great to see Ange use several of the academy youngsters throughout different stages of the campaign, and hopefully, we see it continue.
