Celtic are set to be without Yang Hyun-jun for their upcoming fixtures against Rangers, in a blow for Martin O’Neill.
O’Neill is known to be a big fan of the winger, saying after the 3-1 Scottish Premiership victory against Motherwell back in March: “He was sensational. Sensational in every aspect of the game. Going forward, with the goals he scored, the energy and the willingness to work back, it was a monumental performance by him.”
The South Korean has since remained an important player for the Hoops, featuring in all five league matches this season, and he scored the winner in the 2-1 victory against St. Mirren last time out, which cemented their place at the summit of the table.
However, the 24-year-old is set to miss the 56-time Scottish champions’ next four matches, as he is set to take part in the upcoming Asian Games with South Korea, and he will be absent for some important matches, with two fixtures against Rangers penciled in.
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Celtic’s upcoming fixtures |
Date |
|
St. Johnstone (a) |
September 9th |
|
Rangers (a) |
September 13th |
|
Ferencvaros (h) |
September 17th |
|
Rangers (h) |
September 20th |
|
Motherwell (a) |
October 11th |
Why Yang Hyun-jun is set to miss Celtic’s next four matches
The Busan-born forward is expected to miss the next four matches, as he is set to take part in the Asian Games for South Korea, and the competition is set to come to a close on October 3rd.
There are some interesting permutations too, as should South Korea win gold, the forward will be exempt from military service, which could otherwise have a major impact on his career.
Military service normally lasts between 18 and 21 months, whereas if the Celtic star wins a gold medal, he will only have to undergo basic training, which is roughly four weeks.
O’Neill has admitted the former Gangwon FC man will be a loss over the next month or so, saying after the recent victory against St.Mirren: “We are going to miss him. He’s in really fine form at the moment.
“If they don’t win the tournament, then he has to do (national) service. I hope they do win it.
“But he’s signed off with a brilliant goal. He’s in great form and he’ll work for you going backwards. He doesn’t mind doing the hard graft.”
The ten-cap South Korea has already been on the scoresheet twice for the Hoops in the Scottish Premiership this season, so he will be a loss for O’Neill, but his call-up could give Sebastian Tounekti his chance to shine.
Tounekti’s Celtic career is yet to truly take off, picking up six goals and four assists in 53 matches, and he has predominantly been used as a late substitute so far this season, but he is a left-winger by trade, making him the natural replacement for Yang.