Ange Postecoglou very sharply responded to a question posed to him about Liel Abada’s game time. 

The 21-year-old winger looked like a real bright spark when he came off the bench at Pittodrie at the weekend and played a key role in Celtic going on to collect all three points after Callum McGregor’s late strike. 

He was rewarded for his performance with a place in the Hoops starting XI to take on Livingston as Abada was the only change as he came in for Daizen Maeda. 

Postecoglou admitted at the weekend that he likes to play Maeda whenever he believes there will be space in behind defences but that simply wasn’t the case on Saturday as the Dons packed everyone back to make themselves difficult for the Scottish champions to break down. 

The winger did have the ball in the back of the Lions net but it was controversially ruled out for offside.

Rotation has been a big part of Celtic’s game this season and that isn’t likely to change but once again Postecoglou didn’t miss when asked about Abada earning his place for more game time. 

“No, that’s not the way it works, mate,” said Postecoglou speaking to BBC Sportsound.

“You don’t put in requests for game time, it’s all earned.

“He’s done very well, the most important thing with Liel is that he is constantly improving and wants to improve – every day he is looking to be a better player.

Abada
Reuters/Carl Recine

“I thought he was great today and really took the game to them. But even him a couple of times in the first half I thought he should have been in areas where we know he is really dangerous and can get goals.

“It’s just a re-affirmation for him on his role in the team and why it is important.”

Abada has been a terrific player for the league leaders since arriving at the club last summer and has contributed with a number of goals and assists.

It is being reported that some Premier League clubs are tracking the youngster but Celtic are said to be intent on keeping him.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.