Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers gave minutes to some of his fringe stars yesterday as his side retained a rotational feel in their Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Falkirk.
Alongside starts for new recruits Alex Valle and Auston Trusty, Anthony Ralston and Luis Palma were offered minutes as the Irishman looked to rest to some of his big-hitters at home to the Scottish Championship leaders.
However, Rodgers was forced to dip into what he had in reserve. Greg Taylor, Arne Engels and Nicolas Kuhn became part of Celtic’s rescue mission, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 scoreline in the final half an hour of proceedings.
Hyunjun Yang also entered the picture despite his limited involvement this term, and the South Korean international’s performance may have given the manager renewed food for thought on the flank.
Hyunjun Yang’s mission to kick on at Celtic
Last term, Yang featured 31 times in all competitions for the Bhoys and showed flickers of promise, registering one goal and three assists after joining for £2.1 million from Gangwon FC.
Nevertheless, he completed just 40 minutes spread between three outings this term before yesterday’s half an hour cameo, so there hasn’t really been much to judge him off this campaign.
Many would’ve been surprised to see Yang when Celtic were in their time of need at 2-1 down. However, the injection of life he provided off the left flank helped supporters forget Luis Palma’s difficult hour on the pitch.
Eight minutes after coming on, the 22-year-old jinked his way past several defenders from the left side to the right before going close with an effort that drew a smart stop from Nicky Hogarth.
On several occasions, he committed defenders in a fixture that needed a spark of life against a spirited opponent. Without a doubt, Yang can be satisfied with his afternoon’s work.
Yes, no disrespect, it was a team from the league below Celtic, but the Busan-born man also looked like a physically improved presence, something which may help his case going forward.
What Brendan Rodgers has said about Hyunjun Yang
Yang is clearly someone Celtic are willing to invest time into otherwise they could’ve looked to send him out on loan in the summer – no such notion was even remotely suggested or reported.
Previously, Rodgers has lauded his attitude and backed the South Korean to continuously improve at Celtic, citing his energy off the left flank as an exciting commodity that can be worked on.
He stated: “He’s a player that I think can do really well. It’s just a case of bringing him in. He’s come in predominantly having played on the right side. But the more I see him in training, he can play on the right, but I think he’s better suited off the left, so when he comes into the game, he has that running ability.
“He has areas to improve, awareness of when to release the pass and make the cross, but these are all items that will come with more work and development. But I love his attitude, and I love the energy that he brings to the game, and he will continuously improve, I’m sure.”
Celtic are only ever an injury or two off drafting fringe players into the starting fold with more regularity. Yang has given the manager something to think about, it would be foolish to count him out this season.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
