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“He speaks good English” – Callum McGregor shares first impressions of recent Celtic signing Tomoki Iwata

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor has today been speaking about the signing of Tomoki Iwata.

The versatile midfielder was signed at the end of 2022, and was unveiled as a Hoops player on Tuesday.

McGregor was asked about the signing of a player in his position at today’s pre-Kilmarnock press conference.

“He’s coming in to help the group,” he said, as shown on the official Celtic YouTube channel.

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Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images

“As many good players as we can get in the club that push the standard, then ultimately that’s what’s gonna make us a successful football club. That’s what we want.

“Modern day football, teams carry big squads. You’re going to need them with the amount of games.

“So it’s all good. He’s come in. He looks good. He speaks good English and we’re happy to have him on board.”

The question posed to McGregor hinted at Iwata coming to take his place.

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Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

It was therefore good to hear the skipper view the signing as a real positive for the overall group, as it of course is.

Celtic fans already know that Iwata speaks good English, after his appearance at half-time last Saturday.

Speaking the language is hardly needed for success on the pitch, nor is it a guarantee of it. But it will hopefully make his transition to Scottish life that bit easier.

We could see him make his debut this Saturday against Kilmarnock at Hampden this Saturday.

Hear what Tomoki Iwata had to say on Tuesday in our bumper YouTube video with Jackie McNamara