Tomoki Iwata showing he has a big part to play under Brendan Rodgers

Iwata showing he has a big part to play in Brendan’s Celtic side…

Tomoki Iwata scored a fine goal yesterday in the 4-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle. It was the Japanese midfielder’s first goal for Celtic and it was an absolute cracker.

Tomoki has been something of a bit part player, not just under Brendan Rodgers but also under Ange Postecoglou, the man who signed him and brought him over to Scotland.

But what is clear is that he has something about him. He looks a very assured player. He has the physique for the Scottish game while also having great technique. He is very much a no frills type of player, but he does his job without a minimum of fuss. An actual number six.

The fact that he’s been in the majority of Brendan’s squads shows that he’s a player the Irishman clearly rates but has struggled to fit into his side. At the moment the midfield three picks itself but there is an interesting argument that the manager could start to reduce Callum McGregor’s minutes in order to preserve his legs and his energy levels with Tomoki increasing his own minutes accordingly.

And if Matt O’Riley or Reo Hatate are missing it also opens an option of playing the Celtic captain in a more advanced role and letting Iwata sit in and build the play.

At the moment Tomoki Iwata may only get the odd appearance from the bench, but in that time he doesn’t let himself or the team down. It will be a hard task for him to break into the side, but if he keeps up the good work it won’t be long before Brendan hands him a starting place.

Tomoki is a good player and one that still has a massive part to play at the club over the next few seasons under Brendan Rodgers. And yesterday’s goal together with being centre-stage in the away day win post match dance will have made him feel very good about himself and playing his football for Celtic.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy