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CELTIC boss NEIL Lennon will take Japanese star Hiroki Yamada on trial.

Lennon has confirmed his interest in the Jubilo Iwata midfielder, who is set to follow in the path of his countryman, Shinsuke Nakamura, to Scotland.

Lennon said: “We’re looking to bring him over to take a look at him.

“John Park has watched him a couple of times and we’ve seen some footage.

“However, it’s always good to see him up against the rest of the players and how he copes with it.

“He can play left side or off the striker. He looks okay but we’ll not have a real idea until we’ve seen him over here.

“I don’t think there would be any money involved – he’s a free.”

Iwata want to cut their wage bill after relegation from the J-League, which ends this weekend. Yamada has been given permission to travel to Scotland and join the Hoops on trial.

The 24-year-old has netted 20 goals in more than 70 games for the former Japanese champs.

He has won two caps for his country and knows his hopes of playing in the World Cup in Brazil will be damaged if he stays in the Japanese Second Division next year.

Lennon has personally checked out striker James Vaughan, who has netted 12 goals this season, but Huddersfield boss Mark Robins does not want to let him go.

Celtic close to deal for Jags defender