KYOGO FURUHASHI made his international debut for Japan against Venezuala on November 19 2019.
The Celtic striker is hoping to make his 22nd appearance for his nation in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier in China on the fifth anniversary of his first bow at this level.
Kyogo, who has claimed 79 goals for the Hoops since his £4.6million arrival from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe in July 2021, has been snubbed in recent times by boss Hajime Moriyasu who overlooked the attacker’s penalty-box skills for the 2022 World Cup and this year’s Asian Cup.
The hitman, 29, was called up for the squad for this month’s international double-header, but remained on the substitutes’ bench throughout Japan’s 4-0 win over Indonesia.
TRUE GRIT…Kyogo Furuhashi displays typical determination as he speeds away from Aberdeen’s Sivert Nilsen in Celtic’s 6-0 romp at Hampden.
He is hoping to get the opportunity to add to his five international goals, but the Parkhead fans’ favourite AGREED with Moriyasu’s decision to leave him out.
Kyogo, speaking to local media outlet Soccer Magazine, said: “I still have a lot to improve on in terms of the number of goals I score.
“The national team has been in really good form, so I thought I had to be a player who could make a difference.
“Of course, I’ve been following the national team for a long time and I’ve been waiting for this day.
“That’s why, if I get the chance to play, I’d like to play the kind of football that the national team’s Moriyasu plays and show my strengths.”
Hoops team-mates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, who made second-half appearances in the first game, are also looking to be involved in tomorrow’s encounter.
Kyogo will also be targeting a boost to his six goals in 15 games for the champions his season when he faces Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday evening.
