Wait set to be over as Celtic boss prepares to welcome duo into the fray

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Celtic’s January additions, Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston will now be in contention for first-team selection going forward for the Hoops.

The duo of new signings were announced to the Celtic support in late November, as Ange Postecoglou moved quickly in the winter market.

Injury issues to the likes of Anthony Ralston have led sections of the support to wonder when Johnston, and in turn, Kobayashi will be available to make their Celtic debut.

Unfortunately for Ange Postecoglou and the new pairing, they have had to wait to be in contention for selection amongst the first-team squad.

However, that wait is set to come to an end following the conclusion of the Hoops’ final game of 2022 at Easter Road on Wednesday.

After securing all three points in the capital, Celtic’s next game will now come next Monday afternoon against Rangers, on the 2nd of January.

Both Kobayashi and Johnston will be available for selection for the trip to Ibrox, with their eligibility becoming official once the January transfer window opens on the 1st of January.

It remains to be seen whether this huge occasion will come too soon for the defenders, but Ange Postecoglou does now have the choice on his hands.

You would imagine with the busy schedule in recent weeks, we won’t be too far away from seeing both players make their competitive debut for the Bhoys.

Last month will have been a valuable period of time for Kobayashi and Johnstone.

Although Kobayashi nor Johnston could pull on the Hoops until the 1st of next month, the past few weeks will have been a valuable time for both players.

The central defender and right-back have spent the month of December working alongside Ange Postecoglou and their new Celtic teammates. So they will be well settled in, just in time for their selection eligibility.

As mentioned, you would imagine if they have been impressing at Lennoxtown, there will be a chance for them to make their debuts sooner rather than later.

Alistair Johnston seems the more likely of the two to make his Celtic debut, and he could be in for a surprise start at Ibrox on Monday.

At this stage, it seems unlikely after Josip Juranovic’s return to the Celtic bench on Wednesday in the 4-0 win over Hibernian.

However, you would imagine there will be at least a place on the bench for Johnston, should Anthony Ralston not return from injury.

Overall, it is a brilliant move by the club and Postecoglou to have Kobayashi and Johnston in the door early. Now going forward, they will be available for selection.

In other news, “Midfield masterclass”; Ex-Celtic midfielder praises Bhoys duo after impressive Easter Road display.