The status of Kyogo Furuhashi at Celtic has been the subject of debate over the last few weeks after Adam Idah’s impressive impact.
The Norwich City loanee replaced the Japanese star in the Celtic team after inspiring the Bhoys to a comeback win over Motherwell.
Kyogo has had to bide his time since February for a start, finding himself on the bench for three successive matches.
However, after scoring in a Scottish Cup match last weekend, manager Brendan Rodgers looked to capitalise on that confidence boost with a place in the line-up against St Johnstone on Saturday.
The selection call paid off. Kyogo was back to his electric best, involved heavily in the match as opposed to being isolated previously, creating chances and scoring a goal of his own – his 15th of the season.
Brendan Rodgers on Kyogo Furuhashi display vs St Johnstone
After the match, the Bhoys boss praised his striker, stating [The Scotsman]: “Adam Idah has been very good when he came in and that is what Kyogo and every player needs. They need competition.
“I thought Kyogo was bright, his movement was good. Sharp. He was very brave at the first goal.
“He makes a run and comes back onside and obviously some strikers would maybe move their head out of the way with the keeper coming through but he didn’t and he scored the goal. And it was a great cross for the second one. He was excellent.”
The chances of Kyogo now featuring in the match away to Livingston after the international are strong. If he performs well in that one then there’s little doubt he will start against Rangers, too.
Kyogo’s record against the Ibrox side is exceptional, netting seven goals in 11 matches against them. All of those were scored in the 2023 calendar year.
We know he’s capable of it at their ground too, scoring the winner in a big victory across the city back in September. If the striker is again clicking into gear, it’s bad news for all of Celtic’s upcoming opponents.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
