Player sold by Celtic under Brendan Rodgers, now nominated for Player of the Season award

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One thing that has played a big part in Celtic continuing their success in recent times has been the club’s transfer recruitment.

Whether it’s Ronny Deila in the dugout or Brendan Rodgers returning to the club, in terms of incomings and outgoings, you can’t fault what Celtic have done the majority of the time.

Yes, there have been occasions where the Celtic Park faithful have become restless because they have wanted more proven stars to arrive amid the utter dominance over Rangers.

But, the powers that be have remained sensible, and that continued during the recent summer transfer window when there was a lot of action both ways.

Matt O’Riley stole the headlines when he secured a record transfer to Brighton, as Arne Engels joined on a club-record deal.

But one man, who possibly went under the radar, has now stolen the show at his new club.

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Tomoki Iwata nominated for Player of the Season award after leaving Celtic

Tomoki Iwata was never going to be a regular starter at Celtic because he had captain Callum McGregor ahead of him.

But it was still a surprise to see Iwata leave last summer and join a team in Birmingham City, who had been relegated from the Championship to England’s third-tier.

Yet, fast forward to the present, and Birmingham have already become champions of League One, with Iwata being a regular feature of Chris Davies’ promotion-winning side.

It has also landed Iwata with a big nomination for ‘Player of the Season’.

‘Congratulations to Chris Davies and Tomoki Iwata on being nominated for Manager and Player of the Season Award,’ wrote Birmingham on social media.

Iwata’s stats for Birmingham City this season

Iwata netted a stunning goal against Newcastle in the FA Cup this season, and that was just a glimpse of the magic in his boots and why he is so popular with his new fans.

But the bread and butter has been trying to earn promotion from League One, and Iwata has helped Birmingham do just that.

WhoScored have rated Iwata’s performance at just under seven, including five strikes to his name.