Brendan Rodgers has praised Hayato Inamura for taking his opportunity in Celtic’s 3-0 win over Livingston, after the Japanese defender made his first competitive appearance for the club in what was a surprise start.

Eyebrows were raised when the team sheet dropped, with Inamura named in the starting XI just days after Rodgers had publicly stated the player wasn’t yet at the required level for Celtic’s first team and could benefit from a loan move. At the time, the manager noted that while Inamura had looked tidy in pre-season outings – such as against Cork City – he hadn’t yet been seriously tested defensively.

Saturday’s Premiership match followed a similar pattern. Livingston, fresh off promotion via the play-offs, offered little in attack and allowed Celtic to dominate from the outset. Rodgers made three changes to his backline from the midweek stalemate with Kairat Almaty, and the Hoops were rarely troubled as they cruised to a comfortable win.

Speaking after the match, Rodgers singled out the 25-year-old for praise.

“I was pleased for those guys that have come in. Hayato Inamura, I’ve always said I think that he’s come here, he can play in games of dominance when you have 75–80% and can serve it. So he did well.” [Celtic TV]

While it wasn’t the sternest test Inamura is likely to face, it was nonetheless a composed debut in front of the Celtic Park crowd. He looked decent on the ball, and took up some good positions, but we didn’t get to see the other side of this game.

Whether he remains part of the squad going forward or heads out on loan remains to be seen, but for now, he’s shown he can slot in when the conditions suit.