Celtic expert claims Yosuke Ideguchi could be ‘perfect’ Scott Brown replacement
Celtic midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi could be Scott Brown’s long-term replacement at Parkhead.
That’s according to former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, about the lesser-spotted midfielder.
Ideguchi joined the club in January but has only been able to make six appearances due to a knee injury.
On his return to fitness, the 25-year-old struggled for minutes due to the strength and depth in the Hoops midfield.
However, with Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton set to leave the club, there will be more opportunities to impress next season.
McAvennie claims Ideguchi could be the midfield catalyst Celtic need.
“I have been saying this for a while, Celtic are missing Scott Brown,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He was the catalyst in that midfield for so long. He dictated everything that went through there.
“I just wonder if Ideguchi could be that guy. He has barely played really, we don’t know what kind of player he is.
“Maybe he is that kind of perfect player we need. Next season will be a big one for him because the jury is still out.
“Rogic and Bitton are going so there will be a chance for him and we know he wouldn’t have come if the manager didn’t rate him.
“He has been so unlucky with that injury so hopefully we see a bit more of him in pre-season.”
Ideguchi was afforded 28 minutes of action during the Hoops’ final game of the season.
This took his total minutes of action in a Celtic shirt to 134.
In other news, a Celtic expert has revealed the real reason for Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton’s exits.