Tomoki Iwata Celtic debut rated as Ange moves to hail another key man for Morton thrills

The 25-year-old J-League player of the year came on for captain Callum McGregor at the break.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou believes debutant Tomoki Iwata has plenty more in the tank after his ice-cool debut in the 5-0 thumping over Morton.

The 25-year-old J-League player of the year came on for captain Callum McGregor at the break with his side four to the good in the Scottish Cup tie against the Championship side. And Iwata - vocal about favouring playing as a No.6 - slotted into the position which the skipper occupies. And Postecoglou is certain the former Yokohama Marinos man will continue to grow into life at his new club in the coming months.

Speaking to BBC, he said: "Yeah, he was good, what I expected. I know Tomoki well, he's still nowhere near the fitness level he wants to get to With him, and Sead Haksabanovic as well, who has missed a fair bit of football. I thought they both did well."

The Celtic boss had kind words for both top score Kyogo and Liel Abada; with the latter a livewire during a dominant opening 45 minutes to continue staking his claim as a key contributor for the Premiership champions. And the manager was quick to note their attacking threat is nothing without the desire to work for the cause.

He added: "Yeah, he (Kyogo) is continuing to score goals. Apart from that he works really hard. I thought him and Liel were really good in the first half were really good with their energy, their pressing, helping with the defensive side of things and having the quality the other way."

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.

READ NEXT: