Celtic expert 'can't believe' they have found Aaron Mooy replacement

Expert ‘can’t believe’ Celtic have found Aaron Mooy replacement

Frank McAvennie has suggested Tomoki Iwata will replace Aaron Mooy at Celtic next season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker couldn’t believe Iwata was left out of the Japanese squad for their upcoming games.

The 25-year-old was awarded the J-League’s player of the season award in November 2022, shortly before arriving at Parkhead in January.

The midfielder signed on an initial loan deal that will be made permanent in the summer.

Since his arrival, Iwata has made just seven appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side, all of which have been from the bench.

Last week (15 March), Japan national boss Hajime Moriyasu confirmed his squad for their upcoming international fixtures.

The only Japanese player at Celtic given the call up was Daizen Maeda, who also featured at the World Cup at the end of 2022.

Despite his player of the year award, Iwata was left out of the national team alongside fellow Celts Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.

McAvennie insisted Iwata will have an important role at Parkhead next season.

I can see the manager is just getting him ready for next year,” he told Football Insider.

Bringing him on, giving him time and it is good for Celtic that they have got these players coming in. The competition in that team is brilliant to have.

Celtic

Mooy is 32 now and has been different class, keeping [Matt] O’Riley out and has been doing very well. The competition in that team is brilliant to have.

Iwata won player of the season and is not in the Japan squad. It is looking good for Celtic but I just cannot believe the Japanese team. What kind of players have they got?

In other news, according to sources, ex-Celtic midfielder could quit Man City for French club.

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