Celtic return 'a humbling moment' for East Kilbride star after academy days

East Kilbride footballer Emma Lawton has joined SWPL1 champions Celtic after completing a move from league rivals Partick Thistle.

And the 23-year-old is thrilled to return to the club she played for as an academy youngster.

Lawton has joined the Hoops full-time, having spent two spells with Thistle between a move down south to join Manchester City and a short stint at Motherwell.

The right back was crowned Partick’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year last season and was also included in last season’s PFA Scotland SWPL Team of the Year. Her stellar season also included a call up to the Scotland Under-23 side.

Ironically, Lawton made her debut against Thistle in a 3-0 win on September 15.

After signing, she told the Celtic website: “I’m just delighted to have signed for the club.

“It’s obviously such a huge club, with so much history in recent years. I was obviously here when I was younger playing for a few of the Academy age groups.

“So, to think back then that I could come back here and be a full-time footballer now with Celtic, I probably would never have imagined that. It’s a very humbling moment for me and my family.

“I’ve been at numerous different clubs already. Each one of those moves and time spent there has taught me loads of different things.

“So, hopefully, I can continue taking all those learning points and experiences, then bring them in to Celtic this time.”

Lawton started her career at Thistle at the age of 15 and she paid tribute to Jags boss Brian Graham and all those who helped her develop.

On leaving part-time Thistle for full-time football, Emma added: “I can’t thank Thistle enough for everything they have done for me.

“From my first spell to now they have been amazing to me, and I’ve