Three things we spotted at Celtic training as long-crocked star returns and Iwata imitates Maeda
Iwata #Iwata
Celtic are gearing up for the title run-in as Ange Postecoglou’s side want to continue their ruthless run.
And some Parkhead stars will be looking to stake their claim to the starting eleven as the possibility of retaining the Scottish Premiership trophy edges closer. Postecoglou went strong with his Celtic side as they fended off rivals Rangers to make it twelve points the advantage and only two league games left to conquer before the split.
A Hampden showpiece with Michael Beale’s side also lingers on the horizon but first the test of taking on struggling Kilmarnock at Rugby Park nears. It was a 5-0 thumping last time out back in August, with Celtic hoping to notch up a few more goals this time around.
READ MORE: Kyogo fancied Rangers hat-trick as Celtic hitman explains thinking behind ‘beautifully’ struck double
The name’s McCarthy, James McCarthy
A figure not often seen at Lennoxtown was pictured ahead of Celtic’s trip to Kilmarnock.
Midfielder James McCarthy was spotted in training after missing the last few months of action for Postecoglou’s side.
The Irishman managed 18 minutes against Motherwell in October in his last outing for the Hoops. The 32-year-old has played just 60 minutes of football this campaign.
McCarthy may hope that when the final games wind down that he could get a start before the end of the campaign.
Tomoki imitates Daizen
There is a strong Japanese connection at Parkhead thanks to plenty of new arrivals.
And while established stars such as Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo continue to shine, the likes of Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata are looking to break through.
Iwata has impressed in flashes and will be hoping for a potential chance on Sunday with Hatate out.
But the Japanese took time at Lennoxtown to imitate Maeda’s celebration, unbeknownst it seems to the winger.
Celtic fans will be looking for Iwata to imitate his fellow countryman on the pitch in the weeks to come.
Oh but no Reo
Oh has been effective so far in his Celtic stint but admits he’s hungry for more.
The South Korean attacker has made instant impacts off the bench and could be offered a chance against Killie.
It’s hard for the youngster to try and unseat 28-goal Kyogo Furuhashi, especially off the back of his enticing derby double.
But Oh will continue to show Postecoglou his stuff in the hope rotation comes his way soon. Meanwhile there was no sign of Reo Hatate in training.
The Aussie boss had alluded to the fact the midfielder wouldn’t likely be risked on the plastic surface as he faces a race against time to get ready for Rangers at the end of the month.
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