The addition of another Japanese player, Yuki Kobayashi, to Celtic’s ranks provoked a response on the Hotline . As did the seemingly imminent arrival of Michael Beale to the Ibrox hotseat. All this and the World Cup ... what more could you ask for?
Bobby Duncan, Skelmorlie, started us off with this offering: “I have a very stark warning for Celtic. With the expectation of yet another Japanese player, defender Kobayashi, arriving in January, what happens if Ange Postecoglou is tempted away or if results deteriorate and Rangers have a resurgence brings pressure for a change? Will these players, who arrived because of him, be happy to stay, will the incoming manager want them? This could be a real headache for the club in the future. Why can’t the club look at young Scottish players to develop and bring on for the longer term?”
Gerry Milligan, Erskine, added: “With Celtic moving quickly for Yuki Kobayashi, a left sided centre back, I feel it spells the end for Liam Scales – unfairly as he was never played in his natural position at any time. If we keep Jenz then Welsh is exposed too. Rangers will be envious we are strengthening even further.” But Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton emailed: “Ange Postecoglou must have had a wry smile on his face after Japan’s win against Germany. Bringing in copious amounts of Japanese players was looked upon as a backward step by many in the Scottish game but I still found it bizarre that the best striker in the SPFL, Kyogo couldn’t even make the squad.”
