Celtic's interest in the World Cup is now over, but that does not mean that Celts do not have to worry about international call-ups for a while. It was a largely productive tournament in North America for the Hoops in action. Of the eight involved, Daizen Maeda and Auston Trusty both scored, Alistair Johnston started every game as Canada made an historic run and Benjamin Nygren impressed for Sweden. Sebastian Tounekti was really the exception rather than the rule, enduing a miserable and chaotic campaign with Tunisia.
However, a rather less well-known international competition is right around the corner, with Celtic set to be effected. As reported by Korean journalist Joel Kim, winger Yang Hyun-jun has been called up to represent Korea Republic at the Asian Games. Similar to the Olympics, at the Asian Games, each squad must be made up of players aged 23 or under, specifically born on or after 1 January 2003, but three overaged players are allowed. This trio at Lee Gi-hyuk of Gangwon FC, Swansea's Eom Ji-sung and Yang of Celtic. Manager Lee Min-sung had this to say about his selections.
"The three wildcard players were selected based on a comprehensive assessment of their tactical value, the need to reinforce weak positions, as well as their international tournament experience... To achieve the goal of winning a gold medal at the Asian Games... we have assembled the final squad consisting of players who are currently the most competitive in this age group and capable of achieving the best results in short-term tournaments."
The Asian Games, being held in Japan this year, starts on 15 September, with the football final, taking place at Toyota Stadium, scheduled for 3 October. Having won each of the last three editions, Korea Republic are certainly among the favourites; do not expect this team to crash out early.
This tournament does take place outside FIFA's jurisdiction, so Celtic could in theory object and refuse to let Yang leave. However, there is added incentive to win the tournament, on top of collecting gold medals. Every man in South Korea must undertake mandatory military service before the age of 28, a program which lasts 21 months. However, there are ways to gain an exemption. Categorised under representing the nation internationality in a good light, anyone who wins gold at the Olympics or Asian Games does not have to fulfil the military training.
This was a major story in the UK eight years ago when Son Heung-min, 26 at the time, led the Taegeuk Warriors to Asian Games glory in Indonesia, beating Japan 2-1 in the final in Cibinong after extra time. Had they failed, despite arguably being his nation's best-ever player, and famous-ever person, Son would have been forced to depart Tottenham to complete his near two-year military service.
Thus, considering Yang signed a new four-year contract at Celtic recently, the club really need to hope Korea Republic claim a fourth successive title, or that could cause issues later down the line. Nevertheless, it is still not ideal, losing a key figure towards the start of the new Premiership season.
Celtic fixtures Yang Hyun-jun could miss due to the Asian Games
- 12 September: League Cup quarter-finals.
- 16 & 17 September: Possible UEFA Europa League matchday 1.
- 20 September: Rangers (H). Premiership. Parkhead, kick off noon.
The fact that there is a gigantic, fortnight-long international break at the end of the September and the start of October does mitigate Yang's potential absence somewhat. Nevertheless, if Celtic were to fall in the Champions League play-off round yet again, he would be absent for their Europa League opener. Meantime, there is also a League Cup quarter-final, which could be against anyone, as well as the small matter of the first Old Firm of the season during his period.
Well, Yang was on target during both home derbies last season, scoring a goal of the season contender during January's defeat, before bagging a crucial equaliser in May's 3-1 win. Overall, he netted ten times across all competitions, taking a step forward in his importance. Thus, losing Yang is not ideal, albeit it is preferable to almost two years of mandatory military service.
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