Tomoki Iwata earns glowing Celtic report card as Ange Postecoglou tips midfielder to follow Hatate template

Tomoki Iwata shone throughout a first start for Celtic. And Ange Postecoglou reckons the Japanese midfielder is poised to hit the heights after a patient opening to his Parkhead career.

Iwata was excellent as the champions secured a victory over Ross County to take another massive step towards the title. After seven substitute appearances in Scotland after finishing last term as J-League Player of the Year and signing from Yokohama Marinos, the 25-year-old was unleashed in Dingwall due to the absence of injured pair Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy.

Operating as the anchor in the middle of the park, Iwata was composed and impressive as his team made it 28 wins in their last 29 domestic games. Postecoglou has taken a steady approach with January arrivals such as the midfielder, defender Yuki Kobayashi and striker Oh Hyeongyu. It’s paying dividends with the hitman also looking sharp and dangerous after replacing Kyogo in the Highlands.

Postecoglou was thrilled with Iwata and said: “He was great. He was the one who looked most sure-footed in terms of the pitch and the handling of the ball. He’s so clean technically.

“He really helped us considering it was his first 90 minutes after three months. He finished strongly at the end. I was really pleased I got him out and he showed his qualities out there.”

The patient in the bedding-in period will assist as Postecoglou explained: “I think he will get the benefit. Last year we found with Daizen [Meada] and Reo, who we threw in quite early, they started strongly but fatigued towards the end of the season.

“They have come off a full season, so it’s a different feel for them at this stage of the season. So my inkling if it worked out was to get those three boys embedded slowly and give