Brendan Rodgers reveals Celtic star’s ban has benefitted him AND his team-mate

Yang Hyun-Jun's season was grounded just as he started to take flight at Celtic after seeing red against Hearts. But Brendan Rodgers insists being sent off in Edinburgh could actually be the catalyst for the forward’s proper take off back in Glasgow.

Not only that but the Hoops boss hopes that controversial Tynecastle decision might just have helped get two wing options flying in time for the business end of the title race after Nicolas Kuhn replaced his fellow wide man and moved closer to top gear following his January arrival from Rapid Vienna. Rodgers blew his top at the officials after Yang was red carded for a high boot in the 2-0 defeat to the Jambos. His outburst landed him with a disciplinary date at Hampden on Thursday and he’s still adamant the decision was wrong.

But the time between Yang’s two-game ban and international break has been used wisely away from the spotlight and the South Korea international is now closer to a level of fitness that Rodgers believes can fuel a charge to the finish line.

The 21-year-old is back available for selection as Celtic head for Livingston on Sunday knowing a win is absolutely vital to keeping their title defence on course. And Rodgers hopes supporters are about to see the best of Yang. He said: “I can see his progress. He did great against Dundee and he has been progressing every day in training.

“We spoke to him (after the red card). It wasn’t his fault, it was unfortunate and sadly he has missed a couple of games. He will be back and feeling great and if anything it gave us the opportunity to put Nicolas Kuhn in aswell.

“Now he looks like he has come onto his game and looking stronger. He looks a different player in training now. It’s been a great opportunity for him.