Forgotten Celtic Player Finally Ends Time Out of Game with Long-Awaited Loan Debut
After a lengthy period in the shadows, Celtic’s forgotten man, Liam Shaw, has finally returned to competitive football with his long-awaited loan debut. The 23-year-old midfielder, once tipped as a rising star, made his first appearance in months over the weekend after joining Wigan Athletic on loan in January.
Shaw, who joined Celtic from Sheffield Wednesday in 2021, has had a stop-start career in Glasgow. Despite showing early promise, he failed to break into the Hoops’ first team under Ange Postecoglou and was subsequently loaned out to several clubs, including Motherwell, Morecambe, and most recently, Wigan. However, injuries and a lack of form have stunted his progress, with Shaw spending extended spells out of matchday squads.
That changed on Saturday as Wigan boss Shaun Maloney handed Shaw a start in their 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town in League One. It marked the English midfielder’s first competitive appearance since last season, and his debut for the Latics after missing the first few weeks of his loan due to fitness concerns.
Shaw slotted into a deep-lying midfield role, showing glimpses of the composure and passing range that once caught Celtic’s attention. While clearly still building match sharpness, he contributed solidly, completing 87% of his passes and putting in a handful of key tackles during his 70-minute outing.
Speaking after the game, Maloney praised Shaw’s patience and resilience. “Liam’s had to wait for his moment, and I thought he did well today,” he said. “He’s been working hard in training to get up to speed, and you could see some real quality in how he managed the tempo. He’ll only get better with more minutes under his belt.”
Celtic fans will be watching Shaw’s progress closely, although it remains to be seen whether he has a long-term future at Parkhead. Under Brendan Rodgers, opportunities have remained limited, with the midfield packed with talent such as Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate. Shaw was not included in the squad during the pre-season and had been training away from the first team prior to his loan move.
Shaw’s situation is emblematic of the challenges faced by young players trying to establish themselves at a top club like Celtic. After arriving in Scotland as a free agent with high expectations, he made just two senior appearances in his debut season before being shipped out. Though his time at Morecambe last season offered a decent run of games, his development stalled due to managerial changes and inconsistent form.
Now, with his Wigan debut finally under his belt, Shaw is focused on reigniting his career. “It’s been a tough few months, just waiting and trying to stay positive,” Shaw told the club’s in-house media. “I’m grateful for the chance here at Wigan and want to make the most of it. It felt great to be back on the pitch and be part of a win.”
Wigan fans, too, will be hoping the midfielder can become a steady contributor as the club pushes for a strong finish to their campaign. With the Latics battling to move up the League One table, Shaw’s physicality and vision in the middle of the park could be crucial in the coming weeks.
While his future at Celtic remains uncertain, Shaw’s loan debut is a positive step in what has been a frustrating journey. At just 23, time is still on his side. If he can stay fit and find consistency, he may yet return to Celtic with renewed confidence — or attract interest for a permanent move elsewhere.
