The new striker drilled home the winning penalty and also had a goal ruled out in a lively debut for the Scottish champions
Shin Yamada celebrates as he nets Celtic shootout winner
Brendan Rodgers insists Shin Yamada could blast his way into his Champions League plans after an impressive debut.
The £1.5m striker drilled the winning spot kick in their shootout win against Saudi big guns Al Ahli in the Como Cup third place play-off to end their Italian trip.
Yamada also had a goal ruled out for offside as Celts came back from a goal down to end their tour on a high note.
The Japan ace was denied a debut against Ajax after being caught up in red tape.
But he made the most of his chance from the bench in Como and has been challenged to barge his way into Rodgers’ European plans.
He said: “It was nice for Shin. It’s not been easy for him when you think he’s only just come into the club.
“He’s come to a new culture and new way of working with a real intensity. But he’s worked really hard in training.
“Sadly he didn’t get the run-out the other night but the plan was to give him 45 minutes tonight and I felt he worked really hard when he came on.
“He showed good composure, he’s very quick and strong.
“He wants to get in behind and, from the wee bits I’ve seen of him so far, he just needs to get into more decisive positions to score.
“We are a team that creates a lot of opportunities.
“But he’s strong and he can press the game. The challenge is there for everyone.
“All the players want to be involved in that and there is enough time for all the players to be able to do that.”
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers is determined to bolster his squad with the Premiership kick-off just a week away.
He said: “I haven’t had any update as yet. I’m very hopeful that will be the case. We know we want to improve the squad.”
The Hoops boss was thrilled to have star men Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Paulo Bernardo back in the side and delighted to come through two tough games in Italy.
He said: “There’s no doubt Cameron is number of weeks behind but it’s that mixture of giving him game time and looking after him.
“It’s such a long season. The boys who have played – like Dane Murray – have been excellent.
“It’s the same with Ali. It’ll take him a while to get up to speed but Tony Ralston is there and he’s been great.
“He has got good running power and he was up against a player that cost £50m.”
Shin Yamada scores Celtic’s winning penalty
Rodgers gave some of the Hoops kids a run out with Ben Summers and Colby Donavan making an impact.
He said: “I will always look at young players to see if they are game ready for us. That’s the whole idea of bringing them with us to let them see what level they are at.
“I think the opportunity is always there for any young player. It’s not rocket science. It’s hard work and seeing where your development is at.
“Does it need a loan or stay and play your way into the first team?
“Everyone is different. There might be some who are ready but they might need to go out to get game time.”
Celts will be in the hat for next Monday’s play-off round draw where they could land the likes of Slovan Bratislava and Sturm Graz.
Rodgers said: “I haven’t really looked at it. Whoever we get we will accept and fingers crossed over two legs we can get there.”