Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has targeted a minimum of 20 goals as he prepares to enter his second season at Parkhead.
The 27-year-old joined the Hoops last summer and was seen as one of Ange Postecoglou’s key pieces of transfer business during the window.
The Japanese internationalist became a talismanic figure, helping the Hoops to a league and cup double in the 2021/22 campaign.
Overall, the striker scored 20 goals in his opening season under Postecoglou, with 12 of those strikes coming in the Scottish Premiership.
It was certainly an impressive haul from the former Vissel Kobe man, particularly when you consider he spent a big chunk of the season out due to a hamstring injury.
However, Kyogo is determined to improve going into next campaign, putting in extra work in on the training ground and set his targets for the year ahead after providing a goal and an assist in his first pre-season outing.
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The frontman also set his sights on fellow Hoops teammate Giorgos Giakoumakis and is looking to take the Greek striker’s top goalscorer award next season.
He said [The National]: “We have good teammates and supporters, and I think that is why we can do better than last season.
“Personally, I would like to get good numbers. I want a minimum of 20 goals.
“Last season, Giako got his title, but I had opportunities. It would be nice to get that result. We have good players; we are working hard and pushing and stimulating each other on the pitch.”
He continued: “The coaches prepare us well and with a good programme for the training sessions, which we are happy with.
“I still have personal tasks to overcome, and that is why I am doing extra.”
Kyogo’s extra training ground work will leave Celtic striker raring to go.
The Celtic star got off to a brilliant start to pre-season, being involved in the Hoops’ second and third goal during the entertaining 3-3 draw against Rapid Vienna.
It may have been easy for some fans to forget just how good Kyogo is, having only returned from injury towards the back end of the season.
However, on Saturday afternoon, his quality was on display once again for all to see.
The Japanese internationalist is currently participating in his first pre-season under Ange Postecoglou and appears to be doing extra work to impress the former Socceroos boss.
With all the hard work being put in alongside his teammates, Kyogo should be raring to go for the season ahead, and defenders will be fearing what is to come from the impressive forward.
In other news, Report: Dylan Reid latest as Celtic set for signing talks.