Yang was the one positive under Wilfried Nancy’s leadership

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The Celtic Star

·6 January 2026

Yang was the one positive under Wilfried Nancy’s leadership

Yang was one of a very few positives, if not the only one, under Nancy. Martin O’Neill can now improve him even further…

Yang Hyun-Jun of Celtic scores his team’s first goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on January 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There were very few positives to be had during the reign of Wilfred Nancy at Celtic. The Frenchman looked like he was doing his best to destroy the confidence of our players with his awful system and constant interactions from the sidelines meaning they weren’t able to show ability they so clearly possess, due to his bizarre tactical approach to the game.

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However one player who seemed to thrive under the leadership of the inept Frenchman was Yang, with the winger putting in an array of impressive performances, despite having to adapt to a more defensive as well as offensive role in the side.

Yang Hyun-Jun of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on January 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Yang has great talent, that’s obvious. But he’s not consistent enough and his decision making and crossing ability needs to improve, although that could come in time, and who better to mentor the South Korean than Martin O’Neill?

It’s no coincidence that Yang looked to have improved somewhat during Martin’s last short spell in charge, looking very much like a player who can contribute to the side, and he continued that form under Wilfried Nancy as he looked one of more creative sparks despite playing out of position on the right side of midfield.

Yang Hyun-Jun of Celtic celebrates with Benjamin Nygren after scoring during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on January 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Yang scored a sensational solo goal against theRangers in ill-fated the Glasgow Derby at the weekend, and was our certainly most productive player, although it meant nothing in the end as we slumped to a miserable defeat, that signalled the end of the road for the mad Wilfball experiment brought to you by the ‘World Class in Everything We Do’ Celtic CEO and his football Doctor Paul Tisdale. Nancy and Tisdale paid the price yesterday but not Michael Nicholson.

03.01.2026 Celtic v theRangers, Scottish Premiership. Brian Wilson, Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO / News Licensing

There were rumblings of a move for the South Korean in this window, with serval English Championship sides interested in acquiring his signature, but I think any transfer plan will be shelved at the moment and Martin will see Yang as a vital part of his set up for the rest of the season.

After all he’s a useful player to have in the squad as he can adapt to either wing, and is a creative outlet, something we are lacking at the moment. I’ve no doubts that the player will improve even further under the guidance of Martin and many Celtic supporters would rather have him in the team rather than the two Tisdale summer signings currently away on international duty who have hardly been missed.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha at Firhill. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has hardly kicked a ball for Celtic while Sebastian Tounekti after a bright start has shown himself to be a one trick pony with no final ball. Both could struggle to see much action under the experienced leadership of Martin O’Neill.

Sebastian Tounekti. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

For Yang though, he could become a regular starter and important player, thriving under Martin O’Neill’s guidance.

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