Thread: Celtic refuse to release Ki for Asian Games

Celtic have refused a request from the South Korean FA to release Ki Sung-Yueng for the upcoming Asian Games. The player will remain with the club this month after Celtic declined to make him available for the tournament, which starts on November 12.

South Korea’s Under-23 coach Hong Myung-Bo had wanted to take the midfielder, regarded as one of his country’s brightest prospects, as part of his squad for the event in Guangzhou. However, as the Games are not part of FIFA’s international calendar, clubs are not under any obligation to release their players.

Reports in Korea claim that Celtic had previously “verbally committed” to sending Ki to the tournament but have reconsidered because of injuries and Ki’s recent form.

The midfielder, initially used as a substitute, has made 10 appearances this season and has taken a regular place in central midfield. Scott Brown and Biram Kayal are both absent from the Celtic squad with long-term injuries and with Neil Lennon’s facing a busy schedule, Ki’s absence would have been significant.

Celtic take on Aberdeen at Parkhead on Saturday before travelling to Edinburgh to play Hearts on Wednesday. They then face St Mirren way from home next weekend before playing host to Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle on successive Saturday’s. Ki could have missed all five matches depending on South Korea’s performances in China.

The midfielder has made 14 appearances for his country’s Under-23 side and has 28 caps for the full national side. He represented South Korea in the World Cup in South Africa during the summer.

Celtic are not the only side to have exercised their right to hold on to a key player. Monaco striker Park Chu-Young has also been omitted from the Asian games squad as his side are struggling in Ligue 1 and also have injuries to other forwards.

Good

The more games Ki can under his belt now the better, can't see how brown can push him out of the team now, Ki and Ledley look better which each passing game

I agree the more games they play together the better they look. They look more secure and confident than Brown n Ledley.