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Celtic stars Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda called up to Japan national squad
It’s finally happened. Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate have been called up to the Japan national squad for the Kirin Cup matches against El Salvador and Peru next month in an announcement on JFATV on YouTube.
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu appeared to be under pressure for excluding the pair from the Qatar World Cup squad last year. Moriyasu claimed that the reason for excluding them was due to the standard of the Scottish league but, yet, still included Daizen Maeda in his selection.
But now, it seems, the form they have shown this season for Celtic is paying off as both Kyogo and Hatate will join up with their Japanese countrymen. The international fixtures are due to take place on the 15th of June against El Salvador and the 20th of June for Peru. Daizen Maeda has also been called up to the squad.
Kyogo has had one of the best seasons in his career so far at Celtic. The club’s top goalscorer, the Japanese striker also picked up three other awards after a 31-goal season. Voted Celtic’s Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year and the Scottish Premierships Player of the Season, Kyogo’s call-up is well deserved.
As for Hatate, his performances for Celtic across all competitions have been impressive. Holding his own in the Champions League and also being one of Celtic’s best players in a potential treble-winning season, Hatate finally gets the recognition his form has warranted.
Hatate will, hopefully, get the chance to add to the only international cap he has. He played for 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Vietnam back on March 2022.
Kyogo currently has 16 caps and last represented Japan against Ecuador in a 0-0 draw in September 2022.
Unfortunately, there is no space for Tomoki Iwata or Yuki Kobayashi.
This news caps off what has been a wonderful season for the trio and hopefully, they will be heading to meet up with their national teammates next month as treble winners.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou reacts as Celtic’s winless run continues
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