Ange hailed by Parkhead target Ado

CELTIC target Ado Onaiwu has revealed how much he owes new Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou just days after he was linked as his first signing.

The Yokohama F Marinos hitman made his debut for Japan this week in a 1-0 friendly win over Serbia.

Onaiwu was Yokohama’s main dangerman last season with 14 goals scored under the former Australia boss, who was finally announced as Neil Lennon’s successor last week.

It was reported that Onaiwu could be on Postecoglou’s radar as he looks to strengthen a depleted Celtic squad.

And the 25-year-old broke his silence on the speculation after he was handed his international debut in the game at Kobe.

He said: ‘I always knew if I kept playing well and scoring goals for Yokohama, I’d get a chance with my national team.

‘And I owe this to my manager Ange Postecoglou, who has left the club this week.

‘I have enjoyed an excellent relationship with him and he has been a huge influence in my career. I don’t mind admitting that when he first came to the club, I was confused with his training because it was of such high intensity.

‘But he improved my game immeasurably and you can see I got my rewards by playing against Serbia.

‘I was able to speak to him before the match. I thanked him for all his help and for helping me grow as a player.’