The issue involving Celtic duo Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura remains intriguing, with Brendan Rodgers providing more insight into their progress.
Yamada has played only five games for the Hoops since joining them in the summer, totalling 147 minutes. Inamura’s involvement has been even more limited, with only one appearance—the entire 90 minutes of Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Livingston.
Both players are frequently left out of Rodgers’ matchday squads, and ahead of the match against SC Braga, the Celtic manager has sent them a note of encouragement, urging patience while they wait for their chance.
Supporters believe the pair has demonstrated enough talent to contribute, but Rodgers, who observes them regularly in training, believes they still need time to get into the first-team picture.
In an interview with Celtic TV, Rodgers stated that if a position becomes available, the players will be well-prepared to take it. There are guys ahead of them at the moment, but they are working hard, and when the opportunity arises, they will be prepared.”
Celtic are presently 17th in the Europa League table, level on points with Nottingham Forest under Ange Postecoglou, Real Betis, and Red Star Belgrade, whom they held to a draw on matchday one.
Meanwhile, Rangers suffered a setback in their opening, losing 1-0 to Genk on a goal from ex-Celtic striker Hyeongyu Oh, leaving Russell Martin’s team in 31st place and under pressure ahead of their trip to Sturm Graz.
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