‘I love his energy’: Brendan Rodgers blown away by one Celtic man, he could change his position

Celtic have had varying luck with their transfer strategy so far this term and it is hard to say too many players have come in to establish themselves as first-team regulars.

Luis Palma has probably been the pick of the bunch from the summer arrivals, given that he is the Bhoys’ most consistent chance creator in the Scottish Premiership, laying on 12 big opportunities for his teammates.

Portugal Under-21 international Paulo Bernardo has recently been granted a run of games in Brendan Rodgers’ engine room, though it remains to be seen whether his buyout clause of £6 million will be activated between now and the summer.

Irish boss Rodgers has given Maik Nawrocki a chance to stake his claim despite a frustrating start to his career at Parkhead, and it remains to be seen whether he can hold down a spot on a longer-term basis.

Nevertheless, several others have failed to provide the desired impact, leading to questions from the fanbase surrounding the inner workings of the Hoops’ recruitment process.

Marco Tilio and Hyeokkyu Kwon have been sent out on loan, while Gustaf Lagerbielke is not much more than an afterthought at present.

Winter additions Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn have both made an impression in Glasgow and offer further depth across the forward line.

Brendan Rodgers excited by Hyunjun Yang’s Celtic future

South Korean winger Hyunjun Yang arrived from Gangwon FC last summer and has enjoyed plenty of senior involvement this term, making 23 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Featuring predominantly off the right flank, the 21-year-old has one goal and a solitary assist to his name in green and white; however, Rodgers has high hopes for the wide-man during his time at Celtic.

The 51-year-old has been blown away by his ‘energy’ and has indicated that Yang may be better suited to coming in off the left-hand side after seeing him flourish there in training.

Rodgers stated [Celtic TV]: “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.”

Hyunjun Yang can fulfil his promise at Celtic

The Bhoys are well-stocked in the wide areas as they eye a domestic double, though there will be opportunities for minutes to be spread around the squad as the season drags on.

Yang has shown glimpses of his potential from the bench; nonetheless, it is telling that Rodgers has so much belief in the winger, given that his track record of improving young players is second to none.

His experience at the AFC Asian Cup with South Korea will also aid his development as he looks to make the grade at Parkhead.

At just 21, the Busan-born man has every chance of making a success of his time at Celtic if he can fine-tune one of two aspects of his game with the help of his coaching staff.