Simon Donnelly gives honest thoughts after watching Shin Yamada up close and personal for Celtic

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Hayato Inamura has proven that you shouldn’t judge Celtic’s new players far too early.

The new Celtic defender arrived during the 2025 summer transfer window from Albirex Niigata with a cloud above his head and question marks over whether he will play.

After a few matches in pre-season, Inamura has looked good, and you sense that Shin Yamada is in the same boat as his fellow countryman following his arrival from Kawasaki Frontale.

The players themselves haven’t done anything wrong, but given the disappointment of sections of the Celtic support over the window, when inexperienced players or project-like players arrive, then they aren’t exactly welcomed with open arms.

But perhaps Yamada’s first outing in Celtic colours will change that.

• READ MORE: Celtic fans are all saying the same thing after watching Shin Yamada for the first time vs Al-Ahli

Shin Yamada lauded after first Celtic outing

Celtic beat Al-Ahli on penalties in Como, after the third-place playoff match finished 1-1 in normal time, with Yamada coming off the bench.

Simon Donnelly watched the new kid on the block up close and personal, and he loved what he saw from the striker, as he also went on to score the winning spot kick in the shootout.

Speaking to Celtic TV (26/07/25), Donnelly explained that he ‘liked the look’ of Yamada, and there were small parts of his game that he appreciated.

“The small involvements of Shin, I liked the look of,” said Donnelly. “He was only in four or five times, but he was quite positive with what he did.

“Even that little bit of play towards the end there, keeping possession, showing a bit of strength and determination.”

What Yamada said after Celtic’s shootout win over Al-Ahli

It also needs to be noted that this is Yamada’s first time moving to a different club, and that outside of his native Japan.

So, from that perspective, it’s not going to be easy, and he will need a lot of time to settle in.

But speaking to Celtic TV, the man himself stated that he was just glad to contribute to the Hoops putting a win on the board.

“I am glad to be part of this Celtic team,” said Yamada. “I am happy to score the last goal to win the game. I wish I could have scored during the game, but in the end, I contributed, so it’s good.

“It’s the first time for me to transfer and move to a different club, so I am enjoying that part as well. The quality of my teammates is very high.”