It wasn’t just Tomoki Iwata’s performance against Hibs that got Brendan Rodgers excited.
Since he returned to the club in the summer the Irishman has had two thirds of a midfield to work with. Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and AN Other.
David Turnbull, out of contract in May, started the campaign as the third man, Reo Hatate was in for about a month after suffering injury, when that recurred the jersey was rotated around Odin Thiago Holm, Turnbull and loan signing Paolo Bernardo.
On the back of seven brief appearances off the bench Iwata started the match against Hibs which saw McGregor pushed into a more advanced role. Both performed well in a more cohesive Celtic performance that pleased their manager in a number of ways.
The Daily Record reports Rodgers saying:
It would have happened before but Tomo wasn’t available. Whatever the game needs, that’s something we will look at. He’s shown up very well in training and in the games where he’s come in, he’s done well. Against a good side like Hibs, you can see it’s something that can function well.
Cal can take it in his stride because he’s so, so clever, you really only ever have to tell him anything once. You’re not having to repeat anything with him.
He’s an absolutely incredible player and captain of the team. Whether he plays as an eight, an inverted full back, a controller, wherever, he plays the game to the highest level.
Hatate won’t be back until some point in January, as things stand it seems that the third midfield place is Iwata’s for the seven matches before the winter break.
Delighted to see McGregor being used in a more forward role…His talents were not being utilised properly…IMO…He is such an intelligent player and rarely fails to deliver when he is allowed to express himself…Iwata has come in and looks the part…And when Reo comes back…WOW…what a mid-field to choose from…Hail hail.