Tomoki Iwata

Callum McGregor has welcomed the challenge of Tomoki Iwata for his position after the Japanese player joined Celtic.

The Celtic captain is a dead-cert starter for the majority of matches under Ange Postecoglou - but Iwata has played in a similar role previously.

It's unlikely Iwata would force McGregor out of the team, but it could see a shift in position or at least competition for the deep-lying midfield role.

For McGregor is a challenge he will welcome as he insisted the new face at Celtic Park will help drive the standard.

Speaking ahead of the Viaplay Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock, McGregor said: “It’s fine. That’s football and he’s coming in to help the group. We want as many good players as we can to push the standard.

“Ultimately, it will make us a more successful football club and that’s what we want. In modern day football, teams carry big squads and you’re going to need them with the amount of games.


“It’s all good. He’s come in, he speaks good English and we are happy to have him on board.”

Transfer speculation continues to surround a number of Celtic players this window with Giorgos Giakoumakis and Josip Juranovic tipped for possible departures.

For McGregor, he insists he will help team-mates who may be pondering their future "in any capacity of the game" as part of his role as captain.

But the midfielder insisted it's ultimately up to the individual to decide on any transfer decision - but reiterated he'd be on hand to support his team-mates.

He added: “My job is obviously to listen to the players. If they come to me with a problem then I will try and fix it.

“That’s in any capacity of the game; football, at the club or in their personal lives. I’m there to help them and I let them know that.

“I won’t go and actively seek conversations because the players have their own career and they work for the club.

“Ultimately they will make their own decision but I’m there to help if they need it.”

 

Wonder if we'll see him on the bench tomorrow night?

 

He looks a right wee character. Cheeky mischievous smile. Good to have players like that.

 

Doubt it. Said himself he needs a few weeks to get up to speed. Never know though

 

How many times will Tom Boyd confuse him with Hatate on commentary?

 

He said: "I’ve still to make the final decisions but there will be some changes for St Mirren It depends. Tomoki probably not yet, he only really joined us in the last week and he has missed a bit




but for Tomoki, it will probably be another week or so before he’s in a condition to be given an opportunity.”

 

Changes for St Mirren

Went well last time Ange

 

O’Riley coming in doesn’t weaken us. If Johnston comes back in doesn’t weaken us. Hopefully haksabanovic back in doesn’t weaken us Jenz maybe in for starfelt doesn’t really weaken us.

could make 3 or 4 changes and still we’re pretty strong

 

CCV not playing weakens us. Didn't look like he was training. His comments are very similar to after the Shahktar game (away) the game took alot our of the players is his way of saying there are injuries

 

Should see him v Morton I’m sure. Looking forward to it.

 

Nah think ange said end month did he not

 

Can't wait to see him play.

 

I think he said another week or so yesterday but surely Morton at home is a good opportunity to give him 20 or 30 mins.

 

Can we expect to see Tomoki Iwata tomorrow?

We will see as he is still building fitness and he has not played for quite a while. He is training well and will be involved in tomorrow's squad. We will see how the game goes and whether we can get him some game time but there is no great rush for him. Yuki Kobayashi made his debut the other night but he has been training with us for a month. I guess with our new guys, we have tried to stagger it so they are given the best possible opportunity to play in the best condition. It is just about making sure Tomoki Iwata is ready for what is ahead of him.

 

An excellent debut..

Looked like he'd played quite a bit for us..

Popped up everywhere
Great first touch
Crisp, on point passing

Promising..

 

Good debut, did nothing wrong.

 

Liking the look of this boy, calm as *, very tidy on the ball and confident. Gonna be a superb signing.

 

He’s gonna be class

 

Certainly solid on the ball. It must be amazing to make your debut in place of the team's captain.