Tobi Oluwayemi is heading back to Celtic with confidence and maturity, fresh off a season-long loan at Dunfermline Athletic that he describes as “invaluable.”
He went to the Fife club at the start of the season after making a few bench appearances for Celtic last term, particularly in the European competitions.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper joined the Pars last August, seeking regular game time, and he got exactly that. Featuring in 35 matches and keeping 12 clean sheets, Oluwayemi stood out even during a turbulent campaign at East End Park that saw the club under three different managers, including Neil Lennon, who arrived late in the season to steer the side away from trouble.
“It’s been a good season for me,” said Oluwayemi to The Courier.
“It’s been enjoyable, I’ve learned a lot, and obviously it’s coming to an end but the experience has been invaluable for me.
“When you go on loan, the main thing you want is games and minutes, and I’ve been able to do that, so it’s been positive.
“The clean sheets to go along with it, they are always a positive.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get as many [good] results as I’d like. But, ultimately, as a goalkeeper, you’re there to keep the ball out of the net.
“When you’re playing men’s football, you learn a lot. You learn how to go through the good times and the bad times; when you’re feeling on top of your game, and when you’re not. “And all that the adversity, the playing for points and the real meaning, throws at you. It’s been a great experience for me playing in that.
“I think I’m going back now more mature, a bit older, more experienced, so definitely a better player for it.
“That’s always the main goal when you go on loan. Not only to prove to yourself, but also to prove to your parent club that you’re improving, that you’re learning and that you’ve come back a better player than you left.”
He continued “I’ve still got a bit of time left at Celtic,” he added. “But ultimately we’ll just see how things go.”
While he’s kept an open mind about what comes next, Oluwayemi is under contract at Celtic and has worked closely with experienced goalkeepers and with goalie coach Stevie Woods, who’s worked with top, top players.
Celtic have three senior goalkeepers in the squad just now. If the England youth player does come to challenge at Celtic, it will likely be against Scott Bain, who occupies the third spot at the moment.
Whether he challenges for a spot or heads out on another loan remains to be seen but he’s heading back a better goalkeeper.
