4 days ago
Shin Yamada shines for Celtic as Brendan Rodgers turns focus to ramping up transfer plans
The Hoops secured third spotin the Como Cup with a penalty shootout win over Al Ahli after a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes
The funky Life Electric monument in Como's stunning bay is in honour of Alessandro Volta – who invented the battery.
But it was Shin Yamada who gave Celtic a second half charge against Saudi big guns Al Ahli to save going into next weekend's Premiership Flag Day clash with St Mirren feeling a little flat.
There were some positives and negatives as the Hoops recovered from Brazilian Galeno's sensational scissor kick opener to end their Italian jaunt with a draw in 90 minutes before victory in a shootout no one really expected – or probably needed.
New boy Yamada got pulses racing when he hit the net – only for the flag to rule it out for the slightest of offside calls.
But he was the hero from the spot as Celts claimed third spot in the Como Cup.
Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers also made their first starts of pre-season and it was a strong test against big hitters such as former Leicester and Man City hero Riyad Mahrez and England ace Ivan Toney.
Celts had their work cut out in the opening period when they trailed.
It was much better after the break and Auston Trusty bashed in a deserved leveller from a James Forrest cutback.
Paulo Bernardo, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan impressed in the middle of the pitch and it was a decent response after the shocking second half against Ajax on Thursday and could have nicked it with McCowan rattling the post in the final minutes.
It needed penalties to settle the play-off with Viljami Sinisalo making a superb save to allow Yamada to bury the winning spot-kick.
Brendan Rodgers wasn't too fussed but he's now determined to ramp it up in the transfer market to re-energise his side.
5 talking points from our man in Italy
Shin roller
New boy Shin Yamada was finally unleashed after being caught up on red tape against Ajax.
And he thought he'd made a dream debut when he stuck the ball in the net. It was a neat finish but he was a fraction offside.
Yamada looked pretty lively though, even if it was tough to find space against a well-drilled backline.
Rodgers still wants a striker but it's too early to say whether he already has his Kyogo replacement on board.
But Yamada's style is similar to his fellow countryman. The attacker plays right on the shoulder and has a turn of pace – and he also hugs the offside line as much as Kyogo too.
He also showed a cool head to bury the winning penalty.
Big season for Bernardo
Paulo Bernardo has been a top operator for Celtic but he's never really nailed down a regular starter role.
He's up against a lot of competition in the engine room but there's no doubt there's a player there.
Bernardo became Portugal's most capped Under-21 international ever in the summer but it's time to emerge as a senior star with Celtic.
He impressed against the Saudis alongside Arne Engels.
Johnston back without a hitch
Defender Alistair Johnston got his first action of pre-season after a summer being involved in Canada's Gold Cup campaign and getting married.
It's a timely boost ahead of the new season. Right back rival Anthony Ralston has enjoyed a solid pre-season and is going to be as reliable as ever.
But Johnston is one of the first names on the team sheet and he looked sharp on his return to the side.
There were some impressive raids up the right side and the usual all action defending.
Johnston was late to the party in pre-season but he won't take long to get up to speed.
Marco a no go
Celtic fans got a rare look at wide boy Marco Tilio in the flesh and the Aussie was keen to impress.
It was easier said than done against a strong and well drilled Al Ahli side.
Tilio showed some neat touches but struggled to get much of a foothold in the game.
The 23-year-old has been tipped for an exit with Rapid Vienna interested.
But with wingers in short supply right now he'll likely need to sit put until reinforcements arrive.
Saudi Dosh
It's a sign of the times, looking at the Al Ahli teamsheet and seeing the financial clout of the Saudi Arabian sides.
The Jeddah outfit included household names like England striker Ivan Toney and former Leicester City and Man City superstar Riyad Mahrez.
Celtic benefited from the football boom in the Gulf by raking in £25m for Jota, of course, but it's another entirely new market in the global game that the Hoops have no chance of competing with.
