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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Celtic confirm the signing of Kwon Hyeok-kyu

Celtic have confirmed the signing of South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu on a five-year deal.

The 22-year-old midfielder, along with fellow new signing, Hyunjun Yang, will join up their countryman, Hyeongyu Oh.

Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers said: “We’re also very pleased to bring Kwon to the club, on the same day that we’ve also announced the signing of Yang.

“Again, he is a player that the club has been aware of for some time, so it’s great that we’ve completed the deal and I know that the player is delighted with the move.

“We’re looking forward to both players joining up with the squad and playing their part in what we hope will be another successful campaign.”

Kwon said: “This is a great move for me, to be joining the Scottish champions, and I am looking forward to working with the manager and the players.

“I know that Celtic is already very well-known back home, and I am sure the support will continue to increase now there are three South Korean players, and it will be good to play alongside them."

Meanwhile, Matt O'Riley admitted fatigue played a part in Celtic's final pre-season match in Japan.

The Hoops defeated Gamba Osaka 1-0 as the curtain came down on their Asia tour.

Alexandro Bernabei scored the only goal of the game as the clock ticked down.

And while it wasn't a classic Celtic performance, O'Riley insists there were factors behind that.

He said: "It was tough and not just because of the weather as this pitch was bit more heavier than the first game. You will probably see on camera that some of the boy's faces were a bit more tired after this game but that is understandable after a week of travel, just starting to get over the jetlag.

"It was a good test and both of the teams here in Japan played some really good football and made it difficult for us.

"It has been a unique trip, at least in my experience, playing against teams like this as you are usually playing against teams who are also trying to build their fitness.

"That has been a challenge as both side's fitness were high as they are halfway through their season."

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