Oh on 'all teams except Celtic' game plan as he becomes Premiership cheerleader in Japan boss response

Celtic star Hyeongyu Oh has defended Scottish football after criticism from Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu - as he insisted rivals make it tough for the Premiership leaders.

Parkhead teammates Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate were left out of the Japan squad for the Kirin Cup clashes by Uruguay and Colombia despite their impressive run of form for Ange Postecoglou's table toppers, with Moriyasu stating that the "level of the league" played a factor in the decision. Despite this, Celtic star Daizen Maeda was called up for the squad, though returned to Lennoxtown early due to injury.

While on international duty with South Korea, Oh has brushed off criticism of the league as the 21-year-old insisted he is progressing since his move to Celtic Park from the Suwon Bluewings in January. Asked about Moriyasu's views on Celtic by Korean outlet Donga, he said: “Scottish Premiership defenders have excellent physique and strength. I am getting stronger while competing with such players.”

He was added to his defence as he insisted it was tough to play for Celtic due to the way their rivals set up. Asked if it was easy to play for Celtic given their dominance of the Premiership this season, he said: “It is the opposite.

"All teams except for Celtic go into games with the intention of catching Celtic once. They come out with 120 per cent power when playing us rather than when playing with other teams.

“To defeat such teams, we also prepare more and try to overcome them. In the process, I am also growing.”

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