Hyeongyu Oh has admitted he’s had a “very difficult time” at Celtic this season but was buzzing to turn a corner and score his first goal of the campaign on Wednesday night.
The South Korean banged in the winning effort at home to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, ensuring that the Bhoys retained a five-point lead at the top of the table.
Oh has come in for criticism so far this term with high-profile pundits such as Chris Sutton suggesting that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers didn’t rate him as a player or that he wasn’t working hard in training.
The forward has now stated it’s been a tough period for him but has credited his manager for helping him improve and play a role.
Hyeongyu Oh’s Celtic season gets back on track
Oh said [Scottish Daily Mail, 03/11 print edition]: “I feel so happy to score my first goal of the season. It felt amazing when the ball hit the net.
“Kyogo is a great player. I want to play with him in every game, so I was so happy that we combined for the goal. I learn from him every day in training and I think we make a good partnership.
“To be honest, it’s been a very difficult time for me when I hadn’t managed to score this season. But the gaffer said to me: “Always keep going” — and I have been working hard every day in training.
“It’s been great to have that support from the gaffer. He always gives me confidence because he believes in me. Every footballer wants to start every game but whether I get five minutes or ten minutes, I will always give my best for the team.”
Everyone is now hoping Oh can use this goal as a catalyst to perform consistently for Celtic. Kyogo Furuhashi is undoubtedly the star pick of the attack but we need competent backup ready to come in and score goals from time to time.
Wednesday night is a sign that the South Korean can do that and, with a busy fixture schedule this Autumn and Winter, it definitely won’t be the last time he gets a big chance to impress off the bench.
Thankfully, it sounds like the relationship between Oh and Rodgers is a bit closer than some people realised.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers delivers promising Celtic transfer message.
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