Celtic play FIFA trump card to WIN Yang call up battle with South Korea

Celtic have won their battle to keep Yang Hyun-jun at home for the title run-in after South Korea conceded defeat in their hopes of their star man playing at the Under-23s Asian Cup.

The winger was named in the South Korea squad by boss Hwang Seon-hong and he even allowed him special dispensation for Yang and his other overseas players to arrive just three days before the start of the tournament. South Korea will kick-off with a game against UAE on April 16.

But Celtic were under no obligation to release the player because the matches do not fall under the FIFA calendar and South Korea have replaced home with Hong Si-hoo of local club Incheon United. The South Korea FA stated: "Hong Si-hoo was selected as a replacement for Yang Hyun-jun, who was originally included in the 23 players to participate in the final Olympic qualifiers, as his team Celtic did not give permission for him to to be selected."

Brendan Rodgers' side are battling for a domestic double this season. The Hoops sit at the summit of the Premiership going into Sunday's clash and the Scottish Cup.

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