Senior professionals at Celtic will always be important role models for youngsters looking to make the grade at Parkhead.
Despite the statistical nature of football today, the ability to lead from the front and help your teammates maximise their potential can never be quantified by numbers.
There is a lot of expectation at Celtic, something that every player trying to develop at the club will know. Even friendlies are must-win matches at this great football institution!
Having an experienced core of the dressing room to lean on is vital, and Bosun Lawal has revealed how one former player helped him to settle in during his first pre-season at the Hoops.
Bosun Lawal on Christopher Jullien’s commanding influence
Speaking on the TRAINING121 podcast, Lawal has indicated that ex-Celtic man Christopher Jullien helped him to settle into the club by giving him constant advice during his first pre-season appearance with the senior side.
He explained: “I remember the first game I played in Austria; I was playing alongside Chris Jullien and the whole game, he wouldn’t stop talking to me.
“It was like he just made everything so easy for me even though I was nervous, but just the way they speak to you (senior players), they make you feel so relaxed and tell you what to do and stuff. It actually does help a lot.”
Lawal has come a long way from his early innings at Celtic, thriving on loan at Fleetwood Town last campaign and earning a first senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad, albeit he never featured during the camp.
Having illustrated his capability to operate in midfield, that may be where Brendan Rodgers looks to trial the youngster in pre-season once the Bhoys get back into their rhythm.
Hopefully, supporters can see plenty of what he has to offer over the coming friendly matches and he can work his way into contention.