Yosuke Ideguchi defended over Celtic struggles as Ange Postecoglou brands him Lennoxtown's 'hardest worker'

'Guchi' has made just one start since his January arrival at Celtic Park but that won't cause Postecoglou to lose faith.

Celtic midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi has been talked up as an unsung hero by Ange Postecoglou despite his early Parkhead struggles.

The January recruit has made just once start since his move from Gamba Osaka, where he picked up an injury in the Scottish Cup clash with Alloa.

The 25-year-old has had to watch from the stands as fellow winter window Celtic additions like Matt O'Riley, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate impress at Celtic Park.

However, Postecoglou reckons the unseen work behind the scenes show that Ideguchi can still make his mark in Glasgow's east end.

In fact, the Australian has lauded the Japan cap as the hardest worker at Lennoxtown.

Speaking to the Celtic View on Ideguchi, Postecoglou said: “He’s probably been the unluckiest of the lot in that he got an injury early on just when he got himself to fitness, and it’s been a bit frustrating for him that I haven’t been able to give him more game-time.

"But with all of these guys, I didn’t buy them for the first six months.

“They’re here for the next three or four years and I’ve no doubt he’ll become an important player for us over the course of time.

"He’s a team-focused guy and even when he’s not playing, you see him in training and he’s our hardest worker and that raises the levels for everyone.

“He knew what he was getting into so he’s adjusted really well and as a family they’ve made that decision and this is where they see their future and I think all those kinds of things help.”