Celtic fans will be buzzing at James Afolabi’s mature response to Southampton release

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Celtic have snapped up talented young Irishman Jonathan Afolabi on a free transfer following his release from Southampton this summer. 

It looks a good move on paper for a player who has recently thrived for the Republic of Ireland under-19s. Indeed, for many, it was a shock that Southampton did not decide to keep Afolabi. 

The teenager spoke to The 42 about his Southampton release earlier this summer. Celtic fans will no doubt be pleased by the attitude on show from their new signing.

“It was a bit of a shock, because I thought I was doing well…

“If I did wrong there, I can fix it somewhere else. It’s only the start.

“I pulled them aside, in a professional way, to get a couple of pointers, so I can improve at the next place.

“In fairness, they told me a couple of things I could get better at, on and off the pitch. Wherever I go next, I can improve on that.”

Neil Lennon has already admitted to the Scottish Sun that Afolabi is ‘on the cusp’ when it comes to either first-team or reserves football. 

But it certainly sounds like he has the right attitude to work hard and start catching the attention of Lennon and the first-team coaching staff. 

Afolabi clearly did not mope around after being told of his exit from Southampton. 

Instead, he knuckled down, thrived for his nation and, as a consequence, has been picked up by a massive club in Celtic. 

If he can show a similar level of commitment and fortitude with the Bhoys, Afolabi might very well break into the first-team sooner than expected.