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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers details how winger can become 'more efficient'

Brendan Rodgers has challenged Celtic winger Hyun-jun Yang to be "more efficient" as he reflected on the players ongoing battle to gain regular first team opportunities. 

The South Korean internationalist has started the Hoops' last two matches following injuries to Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, and Nicolas Kuhn

But since arriving at Celtic from Gangwon FC in July 2023, the 22-year-old has been made to show patience... lots of it.

Rodgers understands that sacrifice and now wants to see Yang balance his immense effort with a consistent end product.

He currently boasts just one goal and four assists from 48 Celtic appearances.


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"Yeah, I think it is a challenge for Yang in terms of the guys in front of him who are doing so well," the Celtic boss said during his press conference at Lennoxtown on Monday. 

"So he's had limited game time. What we see in him every day is that he works so hard at his game. Sometimes, especially when you're an attacking player, when you don't play so much, there's always a chance that you come in and you try to force things. But for me, he gives his all. He gives everything.

"He needs to be more efficient. You know, attacking players have to be able to create goals and score goals as well as do that pressing function that we want. He gives absolutely everything.

"He was unlucky. He had a great bit of skill. That nearly made him a goal, but the keeper made a good save. He makes a great run. You see his desire to get into the position that leads to the penalty. So in terms of effort, he gives absolutely everything. He did well at the weekend."

(Image: SNS Group) Asked how he plans to take Yang's game to the next level, Rodgers commented: "That's just time and patience. To get anywhere as a player you need that mentality also.

"We've always worked and given our best to all the players. It's about talent and how that accelerates going forward.

"He's a young guy who's adapted so well to come on over from Korea and speaking English now, translating with the players. It's a huge testament to him. He's a really good kid.

"Then, as I said, we have to look at it. At this moment in time, there are players out. He's coming in and working very hard."

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