KYOGO FURUHASHI wants to atone for firing blanks in the 1-1 draw against Motherwell by putting the Ibrox side to the sword yet again in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden a week today.
The Japanese striker scored his first goal against the city rivals in the 2-2 draw in Govan on January 2.
That effort triggered a two-goal performance as the holders won the League Cup in February with a 2-1 success and Kyogo repeated the two-goal feat in the 3-2 triumph in the Premiership earlier this month.
CHEERS AND TEARS…Kyogo Furuhashi races away after scoring the opener in the 2-1 League Cup Final success as Allan McGregor and Ben Davies hold an inquest.
Now Michael Beale’s club is in the pacy hitman’s sights once more as he continues his search for his 50th goal since arriving at the champions in July 2021 on a bargain £4.6million switch from J-League club Vissel Kobe.
Only five months later, he claimed his first winner’s medal at the Hoops when he netted twice in the League Cup Final against Hibs.
The Premiership crown was reclaimed with Kyogo walloping in another double in the 6-0 triumph over the Fir Park club as the curtain came down in splendid style on May 14 at a sun-kissed Paradise.
The fans’ favourite said: “The treble is what everyone wants, but we can only focus on each game right now. At the end of the season, if we have managed to do it, that would be good.
“I will be happy if I can be a part of a big moment in the club’s history. But we don’t know if that will happen yet, we will only know that at the end of the season once all of the games are finished.
“I am looking forward to it, but I am only thinking about working hard in my next game.”
NATIONAL HERO…Kyogo Furuhashi accepts the acclaim of the Celtic fans at Hampden. Alfredo Morelos in despondent.
Kyogo, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “I have enjoyed my games against Rangers so far and, hopefully, I will enjoy the semi-final, as well.
“I have scored against them this season, but it is only because of my team-mates’ hard work.
“It’s going to be a game where we will both attack and it will be very competitive and tight.
“Above all, we know it is going to be tough. The game we played against them before was tough. It will be the same this time.
“I will just work hard and try to help us get the victory.”
STALEMATE AFTER McGREGOR STRIKE
