TOMOKI IWATA won three medals in only 18 appearances for Celtic after arriving from Yokohama F Marinos in January.
His spectacular silverware achievement is matched by Canadian World Cup right-back Alistair Johnston and South Korean international striker Oh Hyeon-gyu who arrived at Parkhead at the same time.
It’s been a whirlwind start for the new Bhoys and versatile midfielder Iwata, whose original loan switch has now been transferred to a permanent deal, and the 26-year-old recent J-League Player of the Year is determined to continue his trail of triumph with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
CUP THAT CHEERS…Tomoki Iwata is all smiles as he holds aloft the Scottish Cup.
Iwata made his debut in January in the home 5-0 Scottish Cup victory over Morton as he became a valuable member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad, especially when he stood in at centre-back for the crocked Cameron Carter-Vickers in the run-in to the world record eighth treble.
The Japanese star, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I came in last season and really felt how big a club this is and how great Celtic is during that six months.
“I feel that I need to lift up my level for the new season, so I’m looking forward to it, but, also, I want to prepare very well.
“I joined the team in the middle of the season. I felt that I settled well into the side, but, personally, I wanted to help the team more.
“This season we will try to win the same titles.
“We’re aiming for more success and, within that, I also want to perform well.”
