Celtic’s summer signing Kwon Hyeok-kyu made an immediate impact in his loan debut for St Mirren, playing the full 90 minutes in their Scottish Cup victory over Queen of the South.
The 1-0 win in Paisley not only advanced St Mirren to the next round but also showcased Kwon’s potential, something Celtic fans and management will be keenly observing.
Kwon, who moved to Glasgow last summer, has yet to start a match for Celtic. This loan move to another Scottish Premiership team, St Mirren, is seen as a strategic decision by Celtic to monitor his development closely within the same league.
The midfielder’s performance in this debut match was particularly noteworthy. He displayed impressive technical skills, showing comfort on both feet and an eagerness to press the opposition effectively.
The presence of Celtic coach Darren O’Dea, at the match underscored the importance of Kwon’s development for the club. O’Dea’s attendance is a clear indicator of Celtic’s interest in the player’s progress and his potential future role at the club.
St Mirren’s manager, Stephen Robinson, originally planned to play Kwon for 60 minutes given he’s had no competitive football in six months. However, the South Korean’s performance was so compelling that he remained on the pitch for the entire game.
This decision not only reflects Kwon’s fitness and ability to handle the rigours of Scottish football but also his capability to adapt quickly to a new team and environment.
Kwon’s seamless integration into St Mirren’s setup and his impactful debut is a positive sign for both his loan club and Celtic. As he continues to gain match experience and build on this promising start, both St Mirren and Celtic will closely monitor his progress, with the latter hoping he can return to Glasgow ready to challenge for a first-team spot.
