Kyogo Japan call up could end up working out well for Celtic despite fear

By John McGinley

October 1, 2021

When I first heard the news about Kyogo Furuhashi’s latest call up to the Japan national team, I have to admit it filled me with dread.

After all, he picked up his recent injury on duty for his country in early September. It’s far from ideal that he is heading to Saudi Arabia, then Japan, for two matches over the next couple of weeks.

He’ll arrive back in Scotland with little time to prepare for a Saturday afternoon test away to Motherwell.

However, looking at the silver lining, this actually could end up working well for Celtic.

Kyogo immediately made a big difference to the Celtic performance last night compared those of recent weeks without him in the team. His energy, pressing and movement are all on a different level to Albian Ajeti.

Yet, he was a little wasteful in front of goal, missing a couple of golden chances that he may well have put away had he been at peak match sharpness.

The Japan fixtures against the Saudis and Australia will give him a chance to find those shooting boots before his return to Scotland for the Fir Park trip.

The international schedule is actually lighter than what Celtic would normally have over a two week period, so I’m not too concerned I have to say.

If the forward can get some minutes under his belt, and I don’t think it’s likely he’ll play all 180, then he’ll be raring to go against Motherwell.

As long as he avoids injury, which he probably will, we should be golden!

These fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the situation today and they aren’t all as optimistic as me…

In other news, Australian journalists discuss the situation Ange is in at Celtic.