Yang insists filling Celtic Jota void doesn't daunt him as he reveals inspirations from Ki and Cha to homegrown hero

Yang Hyun-jun wasn’t even out of primary school when James Forrest broke into Celtic’s first-team.

But in Busan, South Korea –almost 6,000 miles away from Glasgow – he knew all about him. Because as a kid, Yang would watch the Hoops to see his countrymen, Ki Sung-yeung and Cha Du-ri, in action. It’s remarkable that 12 years on he finds himself at Parkhead. What’s even more incredible is that Forrest is still there and one of Yang’s new team-mates.

The 21-year-old winger, signed this summer from Gangwon FC, is battling with Forrest for a slot in Brendan Rodgers’ team. It’s early days in his Celtic career but he says it feels amazing to be wearing the Hoops. Yang said: “James is one of the club’s great players. He played with Ki and Cha some years ago here. When I look at James and how the fans support him, that gives me motivation to do well here. James is an inspiration to me, absolutely, in terms of his relationship with the fans.

“When the supporters shout and make noise, it gives me goosebumps every time. Even if I feel tired, it gives me energy to give more on the pitch. Celtic have always been my dream club so when I first heard of their interest it was like a dream come true. I was fixed on this move from the very first moment. I watched Celtic games a lot when I was younger when Ki and Cha played for the club.”

Yang is certainly easy on the eye, in terms of attacking style on the flanks. He came off the bench against at Aberdeen last Sunday and his brilliant assist helped Matt O’Riley’s seal victory with a crucial third goal. It was reminiscent of fans’ favourite Jota last season. Yang believes that, like Jota, he can get Celtic fans off their seats with his displays –and promises that they’ve seen nothing yet.

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