Ange Postecoglou revealed that Cameron Carter-Vickers will miss the remainder of the season after his side’s 1-0 derby win on Sunday in a disappointing blow to Celtic fans.

The American was a standout and arguably man of the match in the game but for the remainder of 2022/23, the Hoops will have to go without one of their most consistent peroformers of the campaign thus far.

Although this news is mostly negative, Carter-Vickers’ absence provides Yuki Kobayashi with an ideal opportunity.

The Japanese joined Celtic in January from Vissel Kobe but has managed to make just four appearances up to this point.

Nevertheless in those games, Kobayashi has never failed to capture the imagination, being accurate in his passing and remaining stout defensively.

Now, it is most likely the 22 year old will play the majority of Celtic’s games between now and the end of the season.

This is the ideal opportunity for Kobayashi to gain some regular minutes in numerous big games including a potential title decider, Glasgow derby at Ibrox and Scottish Cup final.

He will fill in amply in the left centre back role next to Carl Starfelt as Kobayashi gets set to more than double his Celtic appearances so far between now and the end of 2022/23.

The defender will assuredly look to utilise these next few games as an audition for next campaign in which he will look to gain more regular minutes.

And if Kobayashi does impress in the big opportunities he is about to receive, one wouldn’t put it past him to become a much more regular first team contributor.