GREG TAYLOR has applauded boss Ange Postecoglou’s prowess for picking winners in the transfer market.
The Celtic boss brought in four recruits in the January window and already they have underlined their promise and why the manager made the move to add them to his championship-winning squad.
Canada World Cup right-back Alistair Johnston and Vissel Kobe central defender Yuki Kobayashi were the first to arrive in mid-December and were followed last month by J-League Player of the Year Tomoki Iwata and South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu.
Each of the quartet has made first-team appearances although Iwata and Oh are awaiting their first starts.
WELCOME TO CELTIC…Alistair Johnston fires in a shot in the 2-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.
WELCOME TO CELTIC…Yuki Kobayashi is in control in the 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over Morton.
Scotland international left-back Taylor, who has scored three goals in this campaign, is convinced the new Bhoys will enhance the player pool as the Hoops aim for a three-trophy assault on the domestic silverware in the crucial months ahead.
He said: “They’ve settled really well. You see Oh when he came on, he’s a handful, he’s young and eager and he’s going to bring something to the party.
“Tommo and Ally have settled in straight away, Yuki, they’ve all contributed already at an early stage and I’m sure that’ll continue as the season goes on.”
Taylor, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “The manager has a clear philosophy, so it’s easier for the boys who come in because we’ve a set way of playing.
“We know they’ll give 100 percent. The mentality of the new guys is outstanding and, hopefully, that’ll be the case with any other new guys who come through the door.
WELCOME TO CELTIC…Tomoki Iwata has made substitute appearances against Morton and Livingston.
WELCOME TO CELTIC…Oh Hyeon-gyu has made an early impact after coming off the bench against Dundee United and Livingston.
“I’m sure they will have that, too. They’ve settled well, but we’ve lost boys who’ve done really well for us and it’s important to be grateful for their contribution.
“But the new lads will be major contributors as the season goes on.”
Next up for the champions is a trip to Perth to take on St Johnstone on Sunday with a midday kick-off and then the focus switches to the Scottish Cup a week tomorrow when St Mirren provide the opposition at Parkhead for the tie which starts at 5.30pm.
Struggling Aberdeen are in the east end of Glasgow on league business the following Saturday and then all eyes are on the Viaplay League Cup Final against Michael Beale’s Ibrox side at Hampden on Sunday, February 26.
The squad will be extended, but everyone can be reassured boss Postecoglou is covered to meet the demands between now and, hopefully, an appearance in the Scottish Cup Final on June 3 when the curtain comes down on the season.
ANGE’S 44-DEAL TRANSFER WHIRLWIND
