Finally, some light for Shin Yamada.
The Celtic loanee has had a torrid time since moving to Europe from J1-League side Kawasaki Frontale last summer, including being loaned out to Germany’s second-tier in January.
Yamada hadn’t scored a goal during that period, but on Sunday, as Celtic were beating Hibernian, there was also some joy for the man from Japan.
Preussen Munster, who are battling relegation, secured a thrilling 3-3 draw against promotion-chasers Hannover 96, as Yamada scored a Kyogo-esque goal in the first half.
Was Shin Yamada unfairly treated at Celtic?
Shin Yamada helps Preussen Munster draw 3-3 at Hannover 96
Munster were already in a mess before Yamada joined them, but he just sank further as soon as he landed in Germany.
After one start and a handful of appearances from the bench, Yamada was frozen out before returning last week against Arminia Bielefeld.
In what is a last throw of the dice from manager Alois Schwartz, as Munster head towards Germany’s third-tier, Yamada started and scored a brilliant goal in the first half.
After the away side had opened the scoring via a corner, not long after, in the 39th minute, the ball was fed into the six-yard box from the right flank, and Yamada raced in front of his man, like Kyogo in his prime, to fire home and double his side’s lead.
It was a brilliant moment for the Japan star, but given Munster’s troubles this season, they conceded two goals in injury time of the first half and went into the break level at 2-2.
Yamada was then hooked at the break, with Hannover thinking they had scored the winner in the 86th minute to move into the automatic places, but Munster struck in stoppage time to earn a point and maintain their slim hopes of survival.
Maik Nawrocki unused against Munster
Yamada isn’t the only Celtic player trying to pick up his career in Germany’s second tier, because Maik Nawrocki has been playing for Hannover 96 since last summer.
Nawrocki has fared better than Yamada, as a possible promotion to the Bundesliga is on the cards, but this draw was a damaging blow.
The Polish star was on the bench and unused during this goalfest because he had just returned from injury.
But previously, Nawrocki has done very well for Hannover, and it wouldn’t be surprising that now he has returned to action, he will be back in the starting XI for the next game.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
