Yang Hyun-jun's Impact on Celtic's Season

Yang Hyun-jun was almost out the door in January. Now Celtic can barely imagine being without him.

Back then, a move to Birmingham City looked close. The South Korean winger seemed set to swap Glasgow for the Championship, his Celtic story in danger of ending before it had really started. Instead, the deal never materialised, Martin O'Neill returned for a second spell in charge, and Yang stayed put.

That decision is shaping Celtic’s season.

He played his way into the heart of O'Neill’s plans in the run-in, chipping in with crucial goals as Celtic drove over the line to secure a league and cup double. The club responded in the summer, tying the 24-year-old down on new terms. Yang, in turn, has picked up exactly where he left off.

Two goals in four days underline that. He struck in the midweek win over Aberdeen, then delivered again on Saturday evening, smashing the winner at St Mirren in a tight 2-1 victory in Paisley. When Celtic needed someone to make the difference, it was Yang arriving in the right place, at the right time.

Callum McGregor did not bother to dress it up.

"He is a really important part of the team," the captain told Sky Sports after the game. "He's a big player to miss, but obviously we wish him the best."

McGregor’s words carry weight because the numbers back them up. This season Yang already has two goals and an assist in seven games, a sharp return that reflects his growing authority on the flank. Last term, across all competitions, he finished with 10 goals and three assists. Those are not cameo figures. Those are starter’s numbers.

O'Neill’s Celtic rely heavily on width. The system stretches teams, drags full-backs out, and demands wingers who can both hug the touchline and attack the box. On current form, Yang would be the automatic pick on the left. He brings direct running, end product and a clear understanding of when to stay wide and when to dart inside.

And yet, just as he hits his stride, Celtic must do without him.

Yang will miss the next four matches as he joins up with South Korea for the Asian Games in Japan. His national team face Qatar and Saudi Arabia later this month, fixtures that will test a squad with serious expectations on the continental stage.

Back in Scotland, the timing is awkward for the champions. Celtic head to St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, then walk straight into the fire: a League Cup quarter-final trip to Rangers, followed by a home Europa League tie with Ferencvaros and then an Old Firm derby in the league at Celtic Park.

These are not games where a manager wants to lose his first-choice winger.

Yang has gone from near-departure to near-undroppable in the space of a few months. The next stretch will show just how big a hole he leaves – and how ready Celtic are to cope without one of their most rapidly rising stars.