Hyunjun Yang’s hopes of forcing his way into Celtic’s starting XI suffered another reality check at the weekend, with James Forrest once again preferred on the right wing.
Petrov, working as a pundit, was quick to highlight the stark difference between the two wide men when the line-up was announced. The Bulgarian made it clear that Forrest’s direct approach and self-starting nature give him an edge in big matches, especially when Celtic need a spark without over-complicating play.
Yang, who has shown flashes of talent since arriving in Glasgow, often plays in a more methodical way. His tendency to wait for overlaps from full-back Alistair Johnston can slow Celtic’s attacking momentum, something Forrest rarely allows to happen. Petrov believes that contrast is exactly why Rodgers went for the tried-and-tested winger.
The Celtic legend also suggested Yang could learn vital lessons from watching Forrest closely. For the South Korean, mastering when to seize responsibility on the pitch could be the key to closing the gap and eventually dislodging his veteran teammate from the starting side.
He said: (Sky Sports), “I think Yang and Forrest are completely different. I think Yang, every time he comes in he needs instruction.
“He waits for Alistair Johnston to overlap and make the ground. With James Forrest, he doesn’t wait for it.
“He knows that he has to be a game winner. He’ll make things happen, and take that responsibility.
“But having James Forrest, Yang will learn that and when to take that responsibility, when to get the confidence.
“Because James Forrest, he is just so direct, so direct, and he’s looking for that killer cross, and he’s trying to get in that box.”
Petrov’s analysis paints a clear picture of the challenge Yang faces. Forrest has spent more than a decade in Celtic’s first team, developing the instinct to make decisive runs and take matters into his own hands when the game demands it. That natural urgency is not something that can be coached overnight.
Rodgers has often spoken about the importance of decision-making in the final third, and Forrest’s ability to act without hesitation remains one of his strongest assets. In matches where Celtic need relentless forward attacks, that instinct can be the difference between a half-chance and a goal.
For Yang, the message is clear, blend his technical ability with a more proactive mindset, and his chances of starting will increase. Until then, Forrest’s experience, directness, and killer-ball delivery are likely to keep him first in line for the big fixtures.
It is now up to the younger winger to absorb the lessons from his senior teammate and show Rodgers he can be the same kind of game-changer when called upon.
