Celtic have signed highly-rated youngster Joey Dawson from Scunthorpe United on a three-year deal.

The 18-year-old striker agreed terms with Celtic this week and will join the Reserves ahead of the Colts’ debut in the Lowland League for the 2021/22 season.

Dawson came through the youth ranks at Scunthorpe United and, at just 16-years-old, became the youngest ever player to make his first-team debut with the club when he played against Derby County in the English League Cup in August 2019.

Speaking to Celtic TV after finalising his deal with Celtic, Dawson said coming to a club like Celtic was an easy decision for him to make.

“I feel a bit overwhelmed,” he said. “Looking around the stadium, you can sense the magnitude of the club and it’s one of the biggest clubs in Europe without a doubt. After seeing the facilities and meeting the people, it’s an honour to be here and I’m looking forward to getting started now.

'One thing that enticed me after talking to Chris McCart, Willie McStay and Tommy McIntyre was the winning mentality of this club and it’s something I want to be a part of.'

"That can only breed success and it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”

Dawson comes from a family of successful football with his father Andy enjoying a successful career at Hull City and uncle Michael playing with Spurs. He said having the pair to help guide him through his career so far has been invaluable for his development.

“I’m very lucky to have my uncle Michael and my Dad there to advise me,” he said. “I used to sit down with my Dad and watch my games all the time. He would give me tips and he played the game for around 15 years so to have him as a supporter and parent has been invaluable to me.”

Having now finalised his move to Celtic, Dawson said he was excited to put his talents to work in the Hoops.

“I’m looking forward to is playing men’s football,” he said. “It’ll change me and challenge my teammates. It’s something different that we haven’t had so far. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, getting started, being competitive and, hopefully, to win as many games in that league as possible.

“I’m a striker first and foremost. I like to score goals and create goals. I can also be a handful if the team need to go a bit more direct, my size and presence can handle that. I feel like I can bring a bit of everything to the team.

“I want to be playing with the first-team as soon as possible. My aim is to straight away get into the Colts team, play well, score goals and get as high up the team as I can and into the first-team as soon as possible. That’s my ultimate aim.”

Celtic sign highly rated young striker Joey Dawson