Fleetwood Town defender Bosun Lawal has spoken to the club following his season-long loan move from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC.
Lawal - who has represented the Republic of Ireland from the Under-15s to Under-21s levels - is taking another step in his career as he joins Town on his first career loan move after impressing for Celtic B over the last two years.
With connections to Celtic and head coach Scott Brown, the young Irish international is excited to hit the ground running and help his new side get back to winning ways with Derby County at the weekend.
We caught up with the club's latest recruit, and here's what he had to say:
On the move…
“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.
“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.”
On his experiences at a young age…
“Football is the only thing I’ve known since I was a little kid. Football runs through the family from my brothers all the way to my sisters. We are a very footballing family but from playing in Ireland, I then made the move to Watford for two years and then back up the border to Celtic and now I am here.
“It tough for a young footballer of 16-years to move over to England, especially being away from my family, but they were great and come over to support me whenever they could.
“The people I lived with in the digs in Watford were amazing and made me feel so welcome, it really helped me settle in but that is part of football, and those experiences make you the footballer you can be.
“Previous moves have helped me with this move to Fleetwood, and I have only been here a day and I feel settled already. It’s important to settle in as quickly as you can, and those experiences have helped me as I said."
On potentially making debut at Derby…
“It would be a crazy first game to be thrown into, however I am excited about the challenge ahead and hopefully the lads can go and get a result, get the win and make it a good day.
“Nothing phases me, mistakes happen and are part and parcel of football, so you take it as it comes and learn from it. I want to make every moment count whilst here. There’s a fine line but we just want to come here and win, and when you cross the white line on Saturday’s you make sure you go and win.”