Shin Yamada embracing his early days as a Celtic player

Shin Yamada is embracing his early days as a Celtic player as the Japan international gets used to life outside his comfort zone.

The 25-year-old forward had spent his entire senior career with Kawasaki Frontale in his homeland prior to joining the Hoops on a four-year contract just over a week ago.

Yamada has been in Italy with his new team-mates over the past week training and competing at the Como Cup.

“I’m glad to be a part of this Celtic team,” he said, speaking through a translator, in a club interview.

“This is the first time I have moved to a different club, so I am enjoying that. The quality of the team is very high, so I’m enjoying the football side of things.

“The first league game is coming soon, and we’ll play in different competitions, so I would like to score a lot of goals and share good moments with the fans.”

Yamada made an eye-catching first appearance for Celtic in Como on Saturday night and scored the winning penalty as his new side defeated Saudi Arabian team Al-Ahli in a shoot-out following a 1-1 draw.

“I’m happy to score the last goal to win the game,” he said. “I wish I could have scored during the game, but in the end I contributed so it’s good.”

Celtic captain Callum McGregor believes his side are in good fettle as they prepare to kick off their William Hill Premiership title defence at home to St Mirren next Sunday.

“Pre-season has been good,” the midfielder said before the Hoops flew from Italy back to Scotland on Sunday. “Every season throws up different challenges of trying to get up to speed, trying to integrate new players and find the rhythm of the team.

“At times it’s looked really good and there are always bits we can brush up on.

“It’s been a good five or six-week block. The boys have worked really hard. Everyone knows the objectives and we’re ready to go. The big test for us will be next week.

“We’ll be ready for St Mirren. We know that they always give you a tough game. The start of the week will be nice and chilled, and then we’ll ramp it up as we go.

“We’ve been here a million times, so we know what to expect. The players know what’s expected of them as well, so come Sunday we have to be ready.”