Celtic will soon be set for their first international break since last November when their players jet off to represent their respective nations next month.
Of course, Brendan Rodgers had to deal with five of his first-team men being absent for the entirety of January alongside early this month due to being involved in the AFC Asian Cup.
Out of the Bhoys’ representatives in Qatar, Hyeongyu Oh and Hyunjun Yang managed to progress the furthest, playing a part in South Korea’s journey to the last four.
Jordan ended their hopes of progression to the final, which, in turn, led to former boss Jurgen Klinsmann being relieved of his duties by the Korea Football Association [BBC Sport].
One spokesperson elaborated on his dismissal, stating: “Coach Klinsmann failed to demonstrate leadership that we expected from the national team coach, including game management, player management and work attitude, which elevate the competitiveness of the national team.”
Although not directly relevant to Celtic, this decision will have knock-on implications for Oh and Yang, as they could now be under the supervision of an alternative manager when on international duty.
Shock candidate emerges who could now manage Celtic duo
According to The Mirror, former Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is keen to take over as South Korea’s manager, with one individual close to the situation telling the outlet: “Steve is aware of the interest from South Korea and it’s a position that definitely appeals to him.”
They also added: “He is high on the list of a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia as well, so he is assessing his options and will be having conversations over the coming weeks. Steve is keen to get back into management and sees managing overseas as a good next step in his career.”
Most recently at West Bromwich Albion, the 63-year-old is hoping to move abroad for his next post following a lengthy coaching career in England that has spanned 26 years.
Bruce had been in the dugout for 477 Premier League matches and would arrive at the Asian heavyweights, ranked 22nd in the world by FIFA, with a wealth of top-level experience under his belt [Transfermarkt].
Although a rather unconventional appointment on paper, the Corbridge-born man’s experience could undoubtedly benefit Oh and Yang’s long-term prospects at an early stage in their respective careers.
Nevertheless, there have been no official lines of transmission from the Korea Football Association regarding who will be in the box seat for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
For now, the Celtic duo will be focused on their side’s fight to secure a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double as they wait for an announcement.
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