JOE HART stops ’em and Kyogo Furuhashi scores ’em.
It’s a simple formula that has gone a long way to Celtic winning five out of the six domestic trophies up for grabs over the two years the English goalkeeper and the Japanese striker have been at the Hoops.
Hart is clearly delighted his frontline colleague, who has collected 54 goals in his time in Scotland, has signed a new four-year deal at the champions that will keep him at the club until he is 32, at least.
JOE HART AND THE JAPANESE BHOYS…the keeper celebrates the second successive title win with Kyogo Furuhashi, Yuki Kobayashi, Tomoki Iwata, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
The 36-year-old 75 times-capped England international said: “It’s huge, what a great bit of news that is.
“I love him as a person, he’s a beautiful person and he’s an exceptional footballer.
“He has been brilliant since he came in and really shone for us last year in big moments and he really sets the tone for a high-pressing, exciting football team.”
Hart, speaking to Celtic YouTube, added: “He’s loved here. And obviously he’s felt that because he’s wanted to commit a real important time in his career to this club and we appreciate that.
“I think the statement of the club is that if you want to be here and you’re playing well then you’re welcome. And if you don’t, then we’ll look for someone who does.”
CUP FINAL CHEERS…Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates with Greg Taylor after netting the opener to make sure the League Cup returned to Parkhead for a second year.
Kyogo joined the Hoops just before his cameo appearance in the team’s 2-1 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle on July 31 as the 2021/22 Premiership season kicked off.
The pacy international forward cost £4.6million from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe and he netted on his first start, a 4-2 victory over FK Jablonec in a Europa qualifier in the Czech Republic on August 5.
Coincidentally, Hart made his debut in the same game, only 48 hours after his cut-price £1million switch from Spurs.
They may be Celtic’s Odd Couple, but it’s an award-winning partnership.
Long may it continue!
