Scott Brown praises Celtic’s unsung hero as Hoops close in on Hearts

Celtic claimed a 2-1 win at Dens Park, with goals from Yang and Kelechi Iheanacho sealing the result after Simon Murray had equalised from the penalty spot. The three points could prove significant in the context of the title race, as the Scottish Premiership intensifies heading into the final stretch of the season.

Hearts dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Livingston, while the Ibrox club had already kept the pressure on with a 4-2 victory over Dundee United on Saturday.

Ahead of the match, Martin O’Neill emphasised the importance of taking all three points and called on his players to deliver a complete performance, which couldn’t quite manage but it was a victory nonetheless.

Now, Celtic icon Scott Brown has pointed to Yang’s contribution as a key factor to the Hoops’ first victory in the City of Discovery this season, highlighting his relentless pressing and constant movement throughout the game.

The former Hoops skipper suggested the winger’s work often goes unnoticed, but insisted his effort and discipline make him one of Martin O’Neill’s most underrated performers.

Speaking via BBC Sportsound, Brown said: “Yang, he has put a power of work in, off the ball as well. He’s underestimated. I know we talk about Daizen Maeda all the time but Yang does put in so much workrate for the team off the ball.”

“On the ball people always expect him to do things but people forget about that side of the game.”

In fairness, Yang couldn’t miss on the goal line but Benjamin Nygren done his best to take the goal off him.

Dundee hit back through Simon Murray, who converted from the penalty spot after Colby Donovan was penalised for a handball in the box, restoring parity before substitute Kelechi Iheanacho struck late to secure the crucial win for Celtic.

The result leaves Celtic firmly in the title hunt, sitting three points off the top spot currently held by Hearts and just two behind the Rangers heading into the final pre-split fixtures next week. Celtic and Hearts are at home to St Mirren and Motherwell respectively while the Rangers face the difficult away trip to Falkirk.

Celtic has four remain home matches from six while the Rangers will only play twice at Ibrox and will have to take on Celtic and Hearts away from home. Hearts also must visit Celtic Park.

Conor Spence

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