Shin Yamada’s struggles continue in Germany’s lower league

The Japanese forward endured a disastrous start to life in Glasgow after arriving in the summer.

He joined during a turbulent period for the club, which saw Brendan Rodgers resign in October, then the Wilfried Nancy debacle where he featured in defeats at Tannadice and Fir Park and then Martin O’Neill returning to the dugout on two separate occasions.

That unstable backdrop did little to help the striker settle, with many fans initially unconvinced by his signing as both supporters and Rodgers looked for a more established goalscorer.

Opportunities were also limited, and like several of the club’s new recruits, including his fellow countryman Hayato Inamura, Yamada often found himself outside the matchday squad.

A January loan move to the German second tier was expected to offer the regular game time he craved, but his start in North Rhine-Westphalia has so far proved frustrating.

Münster travelled to Düsseldorf on Friday with Yamada named among the substitutes, but boss Alexander Ende opted against introducing him as the relegation-threatened side secured a 0-0 draw.

Another Celtic player seeking minutes in the same division is centre-back Maik Nawrocki, who joined Hannover 96 on loan earlier in the campaign.

The Polish defender had to wait until October for his first start before establishing himself in the team, although injury has interrupted his progress in recent weeks.

Yamada is set to face Nawrocki later in the season and the former may look to his team-mate’s patience as a blueprint, knowing that consistent chances could still arrive if he remains ready to take them.

In other loanee news, Celtic winger Luis Palma has admitted he is keen to make his loan switch to Poland a long-term move.

The Honduras international is currently spending the season on loan with Lech Poznan, who hold an option to sign him permanently for around £4million.

That figure would shatter the Polish club’s transfer record, and Poznan officials have already indicated they would require Celtic to reduce the asking price if they are to complete a deal at the end of the campaign.

Conor Spence