Thread: Shahdon Winchester

Celtic boss Neil Lennon will cast his eye over another young prospect as Trinidad striker Shahdon Winchester arrives on trial this week. The 18-year-old will spend two weeks at Lennoxtown as he attempts to win a move to Scotland.

Winchester, who is already part of Trinidad and Tobago’s full team under former R*ngers and Hibernian playmaker Russell Latapy, plays with W Connection, a club he has been with since he was eight years old.

Having made his debut at the age of 17, Winchester has scored twice this season in three appearances and was watched by Celtic scouts in action for Connection. In 2009, he also had a 10-day trial with Braga, the team who knocked Lennon’s side out of this season’s Champions League.

Connection have a growing reputation for producing young players, having sold Kenwyne Jones to Southampton in 2004. Now David John Williams, president of Winchester’s club, believes Winchester could eclipse Jones and become a big hit in Glasgow, if his trial results in a move.

“If Shahdon is successful, it could be a big move for him,” Williams told the official website of the T&T Pro League. “It would be much bigger than when Kenwyne Jones left for Southampton.

“Celtic is a massive club in terms of world football and I am confident in Shahdon’s talent. He is going into an environment that is English speaking and that’s going to make him even more comfortable.”

Winchester, a skilful and pacy player with excellent close control, turned out for his team in the CONCACAF Champions League last season and has also represented his country at various youth levels, before making his international debut against Antigua and Barbuda in July.

Describing his idols as current Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and his national coach Latapy, Winchester also holds ambitions to play in the English top flight in his career.

Celtic trial for young Trinidadian striker | Football | STV Sport