BBC Sportsound moved quickly to clear up confusion around Hyunjun Yang’s involvement against Livingston after the winger failed to appear on early team news.
Commentator Liam McLeod told listeners live on BBC Scotland: “Yang, who didn’t appear on the early team news, is on Celtic’s team sheet on the bench — so looks like he will take his place on the bench, coming in unexpectedly as well.”
The clarification came as supporters scrambled for answers during a chaotic pre-match build-up. Martin O’Neill knows that a win against Livingston was required if Celtic were to keep on the coattails of Hearts this week.
The Tynecastle club went nine points clear of Celtic after Hearts beat Hibs in the Edinburgh Derby 24 hours ago.
Celtic fans will have expected a full attacking line-up and would have been surprised to see the exclusion of on-form winger Hyunjun Yang.
BBC Sportsound clears up Hyunjun Yang Celtic team news confusion vs Livingston
Yang has been pivotal in keeping Celtic in the title race this season with six goals and an assist in 29 appearances.
The South Korean’s trickery has been a joy to watch as Yang wins over the Celtic support with some impressive appearances, especially under O’Neill.
The pacey winger has been much-maligned since Yang moved to Celtic two-and-a-half seasons ago and now finds himself integral to the Bhoys’ title charge.
Now on the Celtic bench, fans will be hoping that Yang will make an impact if O’Neill needs to call on him during the game.
Why Hyunjun Yang’s inclusion to the Celtic team matters to fans
According to Fotmob, Yang has been one of Celtic’s most consistent players in what has been one of the club’s most turbulent seasons in their recent history.
Averaging a 7.12 rating in 18 Scottish Premiership matches, Yang has played 1089 minutes for Celtic this season in the league.
Yang’s xG sits at 4.78 as the Celtic winger’s attacking prowess is proven to be invaluable to the Hoops forward line.
With 30 shots on goal, 11 of those have been on target with Yang creating a total of seven chances for his Celtic teammates.
The 23-year-old has proven his importance to Celtic this season and he will be needed for the final 13 games of the season as the title defence to Hearts and Rangers continues.