NEW Japanese Bhoy Yuki Kobayashi has “hardly put a foot wrong” in his three starts for Celtic.
That’s the no-nonsense verdict from Ange Postecoglou after his January recruit from Vissel Kobe eased through the 4-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park yesterday.
The elegant left-sided 22-year-old defender played alongside Carl Starfelt in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Kobayashi produced another impressive performance for the Hoops which left boss Postecoglou purring in the aftermath as the champions edged another three points closer to their second successive Premiership title.
ON THE REBOUND…Yuki Kobayashi guards the goal-line as Joe Hart attempts to block Liam Donnelly’s shot that gave Killie a consolation strike at Rugby Park.
With a 12-point advantage and six games to go, the flag will be won with two more victories with Motherwell due at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon before the league split.
Kobayashi will have a part to play and the Hoops gaffer said: “I thought he was really good. It wasn’t easy to play on the surface and they were physical.
“It was good to get him 90 minutes, but in all the games he’s played, he’s hardly put a foot wrong and he’s growing as a player.
“That’s always going to be the challenge. If it’s not Cameron or Carl, it’ll be someone else.
“All good clubs won’t just have two good centre-halves. We want more in each position, challenging.”
TEEN ACE…Rocco Vata was introduced in the second-half at Rugby Park.
SMILES BETTER…18-year-old Ben Summers replaces Sead Haksabanovic as he makes his debut appearance for the Hoops.
Postecoglou also brought on two teenagers in Rocco Vata and debutant Ben Summers after the break.
The Greek-Australian, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “Ben and Rocco, and Bosun Lawal, have trained with us for quite a while.
“It’s about earning their opportunities. We have people out and Rocco came on and did a good job.
“Ben has been really good in training, we’re really happy with his growth.
“He’s not a winger, but just getting his game time is a reward because he has earnt it.”
TWO-GOAL O’RILEY STARS IN HOOPS WHIRLWIND
