‘Important Instructions’ Oh Received Before Celtic Move
Former Nottingham Forest star Hwang Eui-jo has provided new Celtic forward Oh Hyeon-gyu with some words of advice.
Hwang is currently on loan at K-League side FC Seoul but having now played at a number of clubs in European football including Bordeaux and Nottingham Forest, knows exactly what it takes to make the step up.
Oh managed his first goal at the weekend for the Hoops in the 5-1 cup demolition of St Mirren which will likely boost the striker’s confidence and it could be possible that he plays a starring role against Rangers in the Viaplay Cup Final next week if Kyogo is unavailable for selection.
Hwang who has been capped for the South Korea national team 53 times revealed that the young 21-year-old forward sought some advice from him before making the switch to Scottish football. The 30-year-old has suggested that Oh should also be used as a winger under Ange Postecoglou to provide some flexibility for the manager.
“Because I had previously played in Europe with Bordeaux for three years, Oh reached out to me for advice before he decided to sign for Celtic. I had a couple of important instructions for him – the first was to gain the respect of your teammates and the second was to learn to play as a wide forward or a winger, as well as just a striker,” said Hwang as quoted by the [Daily Record].
5th February 2023; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Hyeongyu Oh of Celtic
“In European football, variety is key. The ability to be able to play well in a number of positions is very important. I believe Oh is good enough to do that. He has the physicality and ability to expand his game. And it is very important he reaches out to his teammates and coaches at Celtic and tries to integrate as much as possible.
“I was in France for three years and still can’t speak French. That was undoubtedly a hindrance. I told Oh to learn the language as quickly as possible. He is clearly a very good player, but as a Korean, you have to work extra hard to succeed in Europe. I am sure he will.”
The young forward seems very grounded and has clear ambitions about what he wants to achieve while at the Scottish champions as he played a huge part in making the deal happen.
In the flashes which Celtic fans have had of Oh they have been left impressed and he will no doubt play a role in the final few months of the season.
