Brendan Rodgers has offered an encouraging assessment of Shin Yamada after the Japanese forward made his competitive Celtic debut in the 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Yamada was introduced in a high-intensity away fixture, giving Rodgers the chance to see how the striker handled the physical demands of the Scottish game. His cameo came with Celtic already in control, but the Irishman was keen to use the opportunity to aid his development.
The forward’s arrival this summer was seen as one for the future, yet Rodgers’ decision to involve him in such a fixture suggests he may play a role sooner than expected. The Pittodrie debut allowed Yamada to show flashes of his potential in a challenging environment.
With Celtic now sitting four points clear of Rangers after two games, Rodgers has highlighted the importance of integrating players like Yamada gradually, ensuring they adapt both physically and tactically to the demands of the league.
He said: (TCW), “It’s about finding moments in games to use him.
“It was important to see him in a game like this, away from home, to see his physicality.
“He has things to work on, but he has a good attitude and wants to get better.
“He will feel positive about his contribution today.”
Rodgers’ comments make it clear that Yamada’s progress will be taken step by step. His run-out at Pittodrie was less about making an instant difference and more about giving him a first real feel for top-flight football in Scotland.
Mentioning his physicality shows the gap new players must close to handle the league, while Rodgers’ nod to his attitude points to a player willing to learn and improve.
Yamada is still developing, but this debut gives him a platform to build on as the season moves forward.
Rodgers will hope the experience lifts the forward’s confidence and pushes him towards earning more game time as Celtic juggle league duties with European matches.
