Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has picked out the 2-1 win over Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup final as his favourite Hoops game.
The Japanese international was the hero on that Hampden day despite playing through an injury. Kyogo would net 2 deadly finishes to turn around a 1-0 deficit and ensure Ange Postecoglou won the first trophy of the season.
It was a landmark day for both the manager and his players. The fans, who had already fallen in love with the summer signing from Vissel Kobe, were left in total awe of their new superstar.
Naturally then, it’s the striker’s favourite as he talked up how much he adores the “amazing” Hoops fanbase.
As quoted via Celtic’s official website, Kyogo said: “If I have to choose one I would say the best game was the cup final against Hibernian. I scored two goals and we won the trophy and that was an amazing night for me and the team.
“It’s an honour to play for this team and the fans and to see them get excited about watching the way we play. The fans have been amazing with me and have accepted me but I want to give more and put more smiles on their faces.”
Kyogo Furuhashi closing in on Celtic return after stunning 2021
There’s not much about 2022 that could’ve gone better, but Kyogo being involved would certainly have made 2022 even more exhillirating.
Granted, it probably says a lot about the Celtic squad and replacement forward Giorgos Giakoumakis that we’ve managed to survive without him. Those 2 goals against Hibs came with many pushing the idea that we couldn’t cope without our talismanic Japanese international. That he was our only consistent goal-threat.
At the time it was difficult to argue too much. His absence looked devastating. And even though things have gone tremendously well even in his absence, we’re still absolutely itching to see him back in action. Ange Postcoglou, meanwhile, would certainly welcome the chance for a bit of rotation up top.
Thankfully, Kyogo’s return looks like it’s on the cards. He was spotted doing some individual work in training last week, whilst a column in Japanese newspaper Mainichi saw him state that he was feeling in “very good condition'”.
Ange Postecoglou has refused to put timelines on it [Scottish Sun]. But even so, an appearance against Rangers after the international break you feel may be too soon. Then again, Ange has surprised us in the past.
It’s more important that Kyogo is fully fit and 100% ready to get stuck in when he’s back. We would much rather have him 100% fit for the post-split fixtures than 50% fit for Ibrox. We trust Ange will make the right decision for all parties.
In other news, Greg Taylor’s insight into Celtic training environment; highlights Ange philosophy
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