Yang buzzing to make Celtic dream come true as he reveals the Champions League memory spurring him on

Yang Hyun-jun always dreamed of emulating his idol – South Korean star Park Ji-Sung – by playing in the Champions League.

A fortnight ago against Feyenoord, the Celtic winger got a taste of it when he came on as a sub as Brendan Rodgers’ side lost their Group E opener. But on Wednesday night he’ll sample it for real when Lazio call at Parkhead. The 21-year-old – signed in the summer from Gangwon FC – can’t wait to savour the atmosphere on a big European night at his new club.

As a kid he was inspired by watching Park play for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. And he’s now finally living out his dream. Yang said: “I’m looking forward to playing in the Champions League at Parkhead. We will have a lot of support so that will give us motivation. And we’ll aim to get the best result we can against Lazio.

“I watched some of Celtic’s Champions League games in the past. But I’m now part of the club and I can’t wait to contribute on the pitch. When I was young I remember Park in a Champions League match for United against Chelsea (quarter-final tie that United won 2-1 in 2011). Park scored and after watching that match, it’s now an honour to be involved in the Champions League.

“When I was young I looked up to any footballer who played overseas – like Cha Du-ri and Ki Sung-yeung at Celtic. They were also my heroes and gave me inspiration to follow in their footsteps and play in the Champions League. I always imagined what it would be like to play in a Champions League game so I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

After that opening-night defeat in Rotterdam, when Celtic were reduced to nine men, Yang knows how vital a win over Lazio will be in midweek. He says Rodgers’ side MUST get three points to stand any chance of