HAYATO INAMURA cost Celtic a bargain £250,000 when he joined from J-League Albirex Niigata earlier this month.
Brendan Rodgers hinted the 23-year-old left-sided defender could be loaned out to get game-time.
Now, though, the Hoops boss has been forced to make a welcome u-turn in his thinking, especially after Inamura’s debut in the 2-1 win over Cork City in Ireland almost two weeks ago and again in the 4-0 romp against Newcastle United at Parkhead at the weekend.
The new Bhoy had an impressive introduction to his new home and displayed some of the form that could save the champions a fortune in this summer’s transfer window.
COME IN No.25 – YOUR TIME IS NOW…new Bhoy Hayato Inamura is poised to make an immediate impact at Celtic. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
Inamura was on the pitch against Eddie Howe’s side for 55 minutes before making way for returning hero Kieran Tierney.
Rodgers has been looking for back-up for the 28-year-old Scotland international, but it looks as though he can call off his search.
Inamura eased through his minutes against the Tyneside and never looked out of place.
Following his first appearance in Cork, Rodgers was asked if he had changed his mind about the merits of the youngster and he answered swiftly: “One hundred percent.
“The feeling from us all was: ‘Okay, we’ll bring him in and see how he does pre-season’, thinking that he may need to get out and play.
“He’s so smooth with the ball. Not only that, he plays forward. You’ve got to have the personality to take the ball and play and he has that.
“I’ve got to say, he surprised me.”
Arne Engels has endorsed his manager’s words and, following Saturday’s latest work-out, the Belgian midfielder, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “You could see he’s really adapting really well and he’s also good in the group.
“He’s a guy who is really wanting to learn and wanting to try his best. And you can see that he has a lot of quality.
“I’m really happy for him that he can show that also now at Celtic Park to everybody what he’s up to. I think we will see a lot of him.”
‘WE CAN CAUSE A LOT OF TEAMS REAL PAIN,’ INSISTS ENGELS
