PAISLEY, SCOTLAND - MARCH 01: Celtic's Hyunjun Yang celebrates as he scores to make it 5-2 during a William Hill Premiership match between St Mirren and Celtic at the SMiSA Stadium, on March 01, 2025, in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Yang Hyun-jun is on course to play for South Korea in Wednesday’s Asian Games semi-final against China.
The Celtic winger missed four matches at club level as he answered the call which carried a very special prize/incentive.
The Asian Games falls outside the FIFA calendar but every South Korean that picks up a gold medal is exempt from National Service.
South Korean citizens must enroll for National Service between the ages of 18 and 28. It lasts for 18-21 months which effectively wipes away two football seasons.
Yang missed out on the group stage matches but is now set to get involved with The Sun reporting:
CELTIC star Yang Hyun-jun has declared himself fit for the Asian Games semi-final as he tries to help South Korea win the gold medal.
The Hoops ace revealed last week that he was suffering from a slight hamstring strain and missed their last game against Vietnam in the tournament.
He’s been a key man for Celtic this season, but missed both of their recent Old Firm defeats to Rangers due to his involvement in the tournament.
However, he is set to return for his country in their semi finals against China in Osaka this week.
Yang said: “I’m sorry for not contributing to the team. But I’ve fully recovered my fitness now.”
South Korea are heavy favourites to advance as they aim for their fourth triumph at the Games in a row.
YANG- CELTIC’S BEST WINGER?
News that Yang had missed the opening matches was greeted with dread from Celtic fans.
Over the last 18 months the South Korean has been the most reliable winger at the club, scoring 10 goals last season as the club chopped and changed manager.
Yang signed off at Celtic with goals against Aberdeen and St Mirren.
He did pick up an injury in the win over St Mirren but it seemed to be more of a knee or shin injury than the hamstring being reported from the Asian Games.
If South Korea beat China they will play the final on Sunday October 4.
That provides him with ample time to return to Scotland and prepare for Celtic’s match against Motherwell on October 11.
Yang will either be on the high of winning a gold medal- or returning to Celtic knowing that he will soon have to put football on hold for National Service.
Celtic’s non-international players are expected back at Lennoxtown this week while the club monitors the performances of players playing for their country.
Last night Ben Nygren opened the scoring for Sweden in their 3-1 victory over Poland.
NOTE: Yang turned 24 in May of this year.
And Nygren was played as the 2nd striker in a 442 rather than in a midfield role …
Suppose it’s the best outcome…
He gets a rest of sorts…
And a couple of games to get back up to speed for Motherwell !