Callum McGregor wants new signing Tomoki Iwata to get into the "competitive" spirit of the Celtic squad and push him all the way for his shirt.
Iwata arrives as the latest J-League addition to Ange Postecoglou's squad and as a natural No.6, he offers an alternative to McGregor in the middle of the park. Should he impress and force his way into the side, McGregor could be moved into a more advanced role - or even out of the team altogether with Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley also key players in midfield.
But McGregor sees no problem with the manager adding another good option to his ranks as he said at his press conference ahead of their Viaplay Cup clash with Kilmarnock at Hampden: "It's fine. That's football. He's coming in to help the group so if we can get as many new players we can get at the club who push the standard as we can, then that's going to make us a successful football club. That's what we want.
"In modern day football, teams carry big squads and you're going to need them with the amount of games we have. He's come in, he looks good, he speaks good English, and we're happy to have him on board.
"That competitive nature comes out in the players (when you have a big squad). Obviously, if you've got the jersey and you're playing well, you'll keep it, and the players who come in are designed to test you and help you as a group.
"That competitive edge is always good, it keeps you sharp and hungry. We've got to use the players that we have to improve collectively and individually."
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