Oh instant Celtic impact poser swerved by Cho Gue Sung as transfer reality check looms in Klinsmann South Korea call
The powerful frontman has quickly won over the Parkhead faithful and he's set to challenge Cho for his South Korea starting berth.
South Korea striker Cho Gue-Sung has played down questions over his international starting spot following Hyeon-gyu Oh's breakthrough for Celtic.
Cho is facing the reality of a transfer sliding doors moment having been on Celtic 's radar in January after catching the eye at the World Cup in Qatar, but would opt to remain at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to focus on hit fitness levels and pursue a summer transfer to European football. Ange Postecoglou would instead turn to Oh, who has made an instant impression on the Parkhead faithful following his move from the Suwon Bluewings.
While acting as back-up to first-choice Kyogo Furuhashi, the 21-year-old has acclimatised himself to the Scottish Premiership, netting three goals so far since arriving in Glasgow's east end including the crucial second in the Saturday's victory over Hibs. That form has led to calls in Korea for Oh to start ahead of Cho in the friendly double header against Colombia and Uruguay.
The former Celtic Park target has struggled to hit top form in the K-League action, finding the net just once and facing criticism from boss Kim Sang-sik over his levels. New boss Jurgen Klinsmann appears to be a fan of Oh after handing him an international recall in his first squad and hype only appears to be building aroiund the striker.
However, Cho shrugged off the challenge from the Celtic frontman when quizzed on his starting hopes after his early form for Celtic - after taking the gamble in European football. He said: "It is something everyone goes through when playing soccer.
"There is no great pressure in the competition. I don't know if I will play in the game or not, but if I do, I want to help the team by making the most of the strengths I can show."
Speaking to reporters before South Korea training, he was quizzed about his decision not to move to Europe like Oh. He insisted his fitness was his focus, responding: “My condition has improved a lot. My personal condition is improving every time I play."
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