Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was pleased with the initial contributions of new South Korean signings Hyeokkyu Kwon and Hyunjun Yang on Saturday against Wolves.
The pair came into the match during the second half just a few days after making the trip from Asia to officially put pen-to-paper on five-year deals with the Bhoys.
Both looked eager and enthusiastic to get stuck into the match, as you’d expected. Rodgers was happy with what he witnessed but has reminded fans it’ll be a process getting them up to speed and ready for regular Celtic minutes.
The manager said [Daily Record]: “It’s going to take a little bit of time but Kwon I like, he’s physical and has a nice touch on the ball and sees the pass early. I think once he got up to speed he was good. Yang is a direct winger and he was good when he got up to the physicality.”
Yang himself has noted that he needs to improve his strength and conditioning at Lennoxtown to really push on and improve at the Bhoys, so he’s on the same wavelength as the manager here, physicality will be key for him.
Kwon undoubtedly carries himself confidently in the middle of the park too and he could be a solid defensive midfield option heading into the competitive campaign.
Both players should get the chance to impress again tonight when Athletic Club make the trip from Bilbao for James Forrest’s testimonial match at Celtic Park.
Rodgers is intending to play two elevens across the 90 minutes, meaning home fans will get the chance to see most of the new summer signings in the flesh for the first time.
Maik Nawrocki is fit and ready to go after an ankle knock ruled him out of the Dublin trip, while Odin Thiago Holm has been involved in matches since the Japan trip.
In other news, Athletic Club star can’t wait to play at Celtic Park tonight; say Bhoys are loved in Bilbao.
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