Kyogo Furuhashi has been back on the radar of Celtic fans over the last week.
Kyogo, who left the Hoops for Rennes a year ago, is now playing under Chris Davies at Birmingham City… and it’s fair to say that he’s been struggling for form
In six months playing in the Championship, he is yet to register a single goal. This led to mixed reactions when Celtic pursued a Kyogo return last week.
Martin O’Neill then said a move was ‘unlikely’, due to the player’s desire to knuckle down at Birmingham. Not like Celtic to be rejected by a key target.
Kyogo was back to Birmingham action at the weekend, playing in the FA Cup against Cambridge United.
I am choosing Callum Wilson/Kyogo Furuhashi because…
Celtic hero Kyogo brilliantly clamps Cambridge chants
Few saw Kyogo’s Birmingham struggles coming. After all, this is a man who was of interest to Manchester City 18 months ago.
But his troubles in front of goal have led to widespread derision from fans of Birmingham and opposition clubs alike.
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In his first appearance since the Celtic reports, he started up front for the Blues at the Abbey.
Some Cambridge fans had a chip on their shoulder, and started singing ‘Celtic reject’ at Kyogo in the first half.
How did he respond? By scoring right in front of them, putting Birmingham 2-0 ahead in an eventual 3-2 win, earning them a fourth round tie against Leeds.
It’s available here, via NR Vlogger on YouTube:
Kyogo Furuhashi brilliantly clamps Cambridge fans after ‘Celtic reject’ chants
With his second goal for Birmingham, he has a long way to go until matching his tally of 85 from his Celtic days.
Brought to Glasgow by Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo peaked in the Aussie’s second season, scoring 34 goals in all competitions.
Chris Davies on Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi
Speaking after the win, in which Kyogo scored his first goal in five months, Davies said that the striker maintained Birmingham’s ‘full support’.
He said: “”He was really good tonight.
“The second goal is all about Kyogo. He made it for himself by chasing a lost cause, nicked it, and then a big touch out of his feet and takes his goal well.
“You can see the reaction from all the players, himself, the fans, the staff, everyone. Everyone is chuffed for him and it meant a lot to him.
“For Kyogo, it’s goals and confidence. He will take a lot from that goal. He’s got a lot of backing. The fans have been great with him.
“He works hard, he’s quick, he always gets a chance. We have just got to hope now that he takes those more consistently. He has our full support to do it.”
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