Hajime Moriyasu explains Kyogo’s selection for Japan; Celtic star set clear expectations

By Patrick Sinat

May 25, 2023

After the heartbreak of losing out on representing Japan at the World Cup in Qatar last year, Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi must have been wondering what he had to do to force his way into Hajime Moriyasu’s plans.

He was scoring regularly for Celtic and playing in the Champions League. Kyogo was enjoying a rich vein of form but was still snubbed by the Japan national manager.

Now that he is set to take part in next month’s Kirin Cup after his call-up this morning, Hajime Moriyasu explained why he decided to give the Scottish Premiership Player of the Season his opportunity now.

Moriyasu said [Gekisaka], “I called him up because he has been continuously contributing to the team’s victories with results and a strong presence.”

The manager was then asked what he expects from the Celtic striker and his answer was straight to the point, ‘Results. I expect him to score and I hope he will be involved in many situations where he can aim for goals and create goal-scoring chances.” [translated by Deep L]

No pressure then for Kyogo. But these kinds of demands will not be a problem for the Celtic striker. After all, that’s what’s been expected from him since he joined the club last summer. And he’s delivered for us.

Kyogo has scored 51 goals for Celtic so far in his career. His league cup doubles against Hibernian and Rangers in successive seasons delivered silverware on their own.

At 31 for the season so far, the 28-year-old will be hoping to add to that tally before the season ends. With a Scottish Cup Final to look forward to, the Celtic striker will be aiming to meet up with his Japan teammates as a treble-winning champion.

But for now, Kyogo Furuhashi can feel a sense of satisfaction and pride that his achievements for Celtic are now being recognised on the international stage.

In other news, Two other Celtic stars will join Kyogo in Japan national squad