£2.5 million Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu still hasn’t scored for his country with another barren outing for South Korea ‘disappointing’ the talented frontman.
Heading out to Asia on the back of two goals in Celtic’s 6-0 obliteration of Aberdeen over the weekend, Oh Hyeon-Gyu’s confidence was certainly high ahead of Thursday’s World Cup qualification clash with Singapore.
Though as his 20 minute cameo came and went – South Korea storming to a 5-0 win but Oh once again failing to get on the scoresheet – the Celtic striker found himself trudging off the pitch with a familiar sense of regret.
It’s unfortunate. There hasn’t been a goal for the national team yet,” Oh sighs, speaking to Sports G. “It’s disappointing.”
Oh’s lack of goals is certainly not for a lack of trying. Earning his seventh cap for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side, the Celtic supporters will not have been surprised to learn that the former Suwon Bluewings frontman performed with typical intensity and drive off the bench, albeit without getting the rewards his endeavour deserved.
“It is natural for an attacker to wait with hunger,” Oh adds. “I had to keep moving, thinking that one out of ten times, (the chance) would come to me. I think I need to make sure I can score a goal as quickly as possible.
Oh, who joined Celtic in January, has three goals in his last four appearances at club level, his recent displays silencing those who felt the 22-year-old was fighting a losing battle attempting to prove himself under Brendan Rodgers.
“I am playing as a substitute at Celtic, and I am also playing as a substitute for the national team,” Oh adds, determined to focus on the positives.
“My body is in good condition after my injury. I am ready at any time. I am confident about being a substitute or starting player.”
Celtic are reportedly looking to bring in another Far Eastern talent in the New Year, Nurnberg’s Japanese playmaker Kanji Okunuki on their radar.