Ange Postecoglou hands out 2 debuts in Celtic Scottish Cup win

By John McGinley

January 21, 2023

Both Tomoki Iwata and Bosun Lawal made their competitive Celtic debuts in today’s big 5-0 win over Greenock Morton in the Scottish Cup.

Iwata, who hasn’t been training with the squad for long after arriving from Japan earlier this month, came off the bench at half-time to cruise through 45 minutes in replacement of Callum McGregor.

The Japanese midfielder looked very comfortable on and off the ball and while there will be more difficult tests to come, it’s a big positive for manager Ange Postecoglou to get him involved so quickly.

He’s now a strong candidate to get more minutes under his belt away to Dundee United at Tannadice next weekend, before building up to an eventual start next month.

Lawal’s involvement was more tokenistic, replacing Carl Starfelt late in the match. However, the debut is a fine reward for the youngster after excellent progress with Celtic B over the last couple of years.

The defender is one of a number tipped to make more of a first-team impact over the next 12 months.

Postecoglou clearly rates him, including the 19-year-old not only in pre-season trips abroad but also the winter break camps in Australia and Portugal.

Rocco Vata may well have made another appearance for the Bhoys today too, but suffered an injury in the midweek win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The manager’s squad options just get stronger and stronger.

Elsewhere on 67 Hail Hail, Kyogo landmark, Mooy magic: 3 things we learned as Celtic thump Greenock Morton.