Yang impressing with South Korea, showing us what Celtic is missing | OneFootball

Such was his outstanding form, we all knew that Yang would be a huge miss in his temporary absence due to international commitments…

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Yang Hyun jun of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores in the 68th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The Celtic left winger has shown that our loss is very much South Korea’s gain after he provided an assist in his nations 4-1 win over Qatar in South Korea’s opening match of the Asian Games.

The Celtic star is representing his nation as an overage player, and will be looking to steer his country to its fifth consecutive success in the Asian games, with a huge chance of being exempt from national service as well as a winners medal on offer.

The 24 year old has started the domestic campaign in fine form for Celtic, netting twice in five appearances so far, as well as putting in several impressive performances.

It was evident that we badly missed Yang’s influence in Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter final.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Benjamin Nygren of Celtic and Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Sebastian Tounekti was the man who stood in for Yang, and he was, and not for the first time, a massive let down, which resulted in the Tunisian International being hauled off at the half time interval. Time is starting to run out as far as the Celtic support is concerned regarding a player who doesn’t appear to have the stomach for the fight.

Yang will also miss tomorrow night’s Europa League opener with Ferencvaros at Celtic Park, as well as Sunday’s vital Glasgow Derby Scottish Premiership showdown against the Rangers at Celtic Park, and it goes without saying that he’ll be a massive loss to the side at a time we need all our best players available.

Yang Hyun-Jun of Celtic scores his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on September 02, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Martin O’Neill has vastly improved the player who was once so far out the picture that he nearly left the club, so much so that he’s seen by many as an automatic first team pick these days.

Unfortunately though, the Irishman’s influence has also benefited the South Korean national side, at a time we could well be doing with the players qualities in the green and white hoops of Celtic.

Hyunjun Yang of Celtic controls the ball during the Scottish Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on August 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Still, Yang will be back after the upcoming double international break – where FIFA have rolled two into one – so it’s nearly three weeks with no club football – and he’ll be ready to play when Celtic are at Fir Park. Incidentally did you see that Motherwell result last night! Losing 4-0 at home to Aberdeen was a strange one.

Best of luck to Yang and South Korea for their remaining games at the Asian Games.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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