Martin O’Neill talks up winger as Celtic look to replace Yang

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has talked up Seb Tounekti ahead of the trip to face St Johnstone. The Irishman praised the 24-year-old’s quality as the Scottish Champions look to replace Yang, who has departed for international duty with South Korea.

Speaking to Herald Sport, O’Neill talked up Tounekti, perhaps indicating that he sees Yang’s departure as an opportunity for the winger to really take his chance at Celtic.

“He’s got really good ability around the edge of the penalty box. The thing I like about him is that he can go both ways.

“Sometimes there’s a bit of frustration, but there’ll always be a bit of frustration with wide players who might lose the ball once or twice. The most important thing to tell wide players is if they can go past people, just keep doing it.

“He’s missed the chance on Saturday night. So it’s a matter of keep encouraging him.

“He probably sees at the moment that Yang has done exceptionally well, and Yang does great work for us as well when we don’t have the ball.

“Those are the things that I think Seb can pick up on and can learn. That should be his aim [to emulate Yang].”

Since arriving from Hammarby last summer, the Tunisian Internationalist has made 53 appearances, scoring 6 goals and assisting on 4 occasions. In fairness to Tounekti, throughout the course of last season, he sent a number of tantalising balls into the box only for forward colleagues to miss the target.

MON reflects on the frustration regarding Tounekti and that’s certainly felt amongst the support. It is clear that there is a talented player there and one that could potentially kick on and really become a valuable asset. However, he needs to take his opportunities when offered them and this could be the time for him to stake a claim – especially with Jota approaching fitness.