Celtic no longer face potentially losing Hyun-jun Yang to the Asian Cup in January after the tournament was postponed by almost a year.

The competition in Saudi Arabia had been scheduled to run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, creating the possibility of the winger missing a significant stretch of Celtic’s season if selected by South Korea.

However, the Asian Football Confederation confirmed on Tuesday that the tournament has been moved, with proposed dates of December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028.

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Those revised dates remain subject to FIFA approval.

Associated Press reports that the decision follows growing disruption caused by conflict in the Middle East.

His selection was never guaranteed, but an international tournament would have presented another complication during a month containing domestic fixtures and the closing stages of the Europa League league phase.

The news comes as Yang works towards returning from his recent injury absence. He picked up an injury while he was away at the Asia Games, missing a run of Celtic matches while his country won gold.

O’Neill said last week that the winger was expected back in training on Monday, although that did not amount to confirmation that he was ready to play.

Getting him fit remains the immediate priority. Celtic have needed more natural options out wide, and Yang’s return would give the manager another player capable of providing that width. It also means that once he’s fit, he won’t be flying off soon.