Shim Mheuka reveals Mikey Moore advice before Celtic move and brilliant Rangers joke | OneFootball

Chelsea loanee Shim Mheuka has opened up on his decision to join Celtic, revealing he sought advice from his footballing father and former Rangers loanee Mikey Moore before making the move to Glasgow.

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Shim Mheuka of Celtic

Mheuka has made an encouraging start since completing his season-long loan last week, featuring from the bench against Aberdeen and St Mirren and believing he had opened his Celtic account in Paisley before his effort was controversially ruled out for offside.

The highly-rated teenager, who was aware of Celtic’s interest throughout the summer, believes Parkhead represents the ideal place to continue his development.

“It’s everything really, from the way they play football, to the fanbase and the league itself,” Mheuka said via TCW. “Everything attached me to the club. Celtic is the perfect step for me in my development, and to take me to the next level.

“I heard [about the interest] throughout. There are clubs who show interest in you but it’s about talking to those close to you and who have your best interest at heart, whether it’s at Chelsea or friends and family, to make the best decision.

“Coming to Scotland, there’s more excitement than nerves. I moved from Brighton to Chelsea early in my academy days as well, so it doesn’t faze me. It’s part of football and I like to think I can take it in my stride. I’m enjoying this new challenge.”

Reflecting on his disallowed goal against St Mirren, he continued: “It’s been amazing so far. I thought I’d scored the other night, but that’s football.

“Hopefully that’s just a teaser and there will be plenty of more opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. I can’t dwell on it too much. There’s mixed emotions, one moment you think you’ve scored, the next it’s taken away from you. It’s part of the game, so on to the next one.”

Chelsea paid more than £4million to recruit Mheuka from Brighton when he was just 15 and have since tied him down to a contract until 2031.

A boyhood Chelsea supporter, the striker has drawn inspiration from some of the Premier League’s greatest forwards.

“Didier Drogba at Chelsea. I didn’t really get to see R9 but I like to watch his clips. Luis Suarez, Harry Kane as well,” Mheuka said. “Those are players I like to base my game off, taking bits from them, as they are a variety of great strikers.

“I’ve never met Drogba unfortunately but legends like John Terry have been there. There are world class players to learn from at Chelsea. I’ve learned a lot from Reece James, who is amazing, World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez. In my position there’s Joao Pedro, Nicolas Jackson. It’s about being a sponge and soaking up as much as I can from all of them.”

Before agreeing to his Celtic move, Mheuka also contacted England Under-19 teammate Moore, who spent last season on loan at Rangers before moving to Köln this summer.

“I’ve been part of the England squad with Mikey. I watched his games from last year,” Mheuka said. “He’s a good friend of mine so I spoke to him before I came here and he told me it’s a beautiful city and I’d really enjoy it.

“It’s more about what’s best for me than what Mikey has done and what was the best next step in my development. But Mikey is a good friend and did really well. He told me I was on the wrong side of Glasgow but I told him, no I’m on the right side of the city!”

Mheuka also leaned heavily on the advice of his father Malcolm, who played as an attacking midfielder for Zimbabwe Saints, and revealed he had already been told plenty about Celtic boss Martin O’Neill.

“He’s been there for me all my life, along with my mum and my brother as well,” Mheuka added. “It helps having a father who has played the game and understands the different elements of what to expect and what not to expect.

“I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s my best supporter – and also my harshest critic. He’s always in the back of my mind when I’m playing, I think what he’s thinking. He’s been an amazing influence in my life.

“I’ve seen a few clips of him from playing back in Zimbabwe and seen him in the newspapers. He was a decent player. He played in midfield, either No. 8 or No. 10 but he had similar kinds of abilities, powerful, good on the ball.

“My dad spoke to me about the manager, but I think everyone in football knows about him. He’s an amazing character who has done amazing things in the game. He’s been in the game a long while so I can learn valuable lessons from him, not just in football but in life as well.”

Mheuka was one of the notable omissions from Celtic’s Europa League squad, with O’Neill instead selecting Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran and Callum Osmand among his centre-forward options.

However, the youngster insists missing out on European football has not dampened his enthusiasm and is determined to make his mark domestically.

“It’s not so much a disappointment, I can just focus domestically and do the best I can whenever I’m asked to play, either from the start or the bench,” Mheuka explained. “My focus was just on coming to Celtic, not really thinking about the squads.

“All I can do is focus on what I am asked to do. I just want to make an impact when I can. I love to score goals. I’m only 18, so I know I have a long way to go and it’s about learning from the other players. Hopefully I can score a few goals along with the way.”

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