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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Yang Hyun-jun on genuine Celtic dream as he dismisses Jota comparison

A cynic might claim it's far more convenient and an open goal for players to claim a transfer switch has been a long-held dream. When it comes to Yang Hyun-jun, his claim to have held a desire to sign for Celtic since he was a boy seems genuine and not just lip service to get his new fans onside.

The winger, 21, made the switch from Gangwon to sign a five-year deal at Parkhead. It wasn't a straightforward process for the South Korean as he felt necessary to force the move through, even offering to help broker a fee to complete a move to Glasgow.

It's hardly the actions of a player who might not have always dreamt of pulling on a Celtic shirt as a youngster watching Ki Sung-yueung and Cha Du-ri in his homeland.

“Celtic has always been my dream club," stated Yang. "So when I first heard of their interest it was like a dream come true for me.

“There was no moment of hesitation from me. I was fixed on this move from the very first moment.

“I watched Celtic games when I was younger when Ki and Cha played for the club. I watched them a lot."

Yang had been identified by Ange Postecoglou, but has no issues over the manager departing for Spurs and Brendan Rodgers taking over.

He added: “It’s no problem for me that it was the former manager who identified me for Celtic.

“I really respect the gaffer we’ve got now and I feel honoured to be part of his team.

“I’ll adapt well and I’m looking forward to playing good football under him."

It's not only the impression of his fellow countrymen inspiring Yang to success. Instead, he is taking motivation from James Forrest's long association with Celtic.

He explained: “James is one of the club’s great players. He played with Ki and Cha Du-Ri some years ago here.

“When I look at James and how the fans support him, that gives me motivation to do well here.

“James is an inspiration to me, absolutely, in terms of his relationship with the fans.

“For every match at Celtic Park, when the fans shout and make noise, it gives me goosebumps every time.

“Even when I might feel tired, I’m not in that moment because it gives me more energy to give even more."

Yang is perhaps not the natural successor for Jota - who made a £25million move to Saudi - and he admits he is not the only player expected to fill the gap left by the popular Portuguese winger.

However, he is hopeful to cultivate a similar relationship with the Celtic fan base as Jota.

“I know that Jota was a great player and very popular at Celtic," said Yang.

“I’m not 100 percent sure that I’m the only person to fill that gap. 

“We have other great players at Celtic and together we can do it in each match.

“Up to now, I’ve only been a substitute for Celtic. But if I get the chance to play from the start, which is totally different, I’ll try to show some good moves that hopefully the fans will like."

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