KYOGO FURUHASHI’S blankety-blank misery continued during the former Celtic ace’s Birmingham City debut in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town at St Andrews last night.
The Japanese frontman, who collected 85 goals at the Hoops in his three and a half years at Parkhead, has not claimed a strike for over SEVEN months.
Amazingly, the last time the international striker got on the scoresheet was on January 11 in Dingwall when he netted a double in the Hoops’ 4-1 victory over Ross County.
THE LAST HURRAH…Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates completing his double in Celtic’s 4-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall in January before his goal drought.
Kyogo, who was bought by Ange Postecoglou from J-League Vissel Kobe for £4.6million in July 2021, was sold to French club Rennes for £10million shortly after his goals against the Highlanders.
Astoundingly, the once-prolific hitman failed to claim a solitary strike for the Ligue 1 outfit who sold him onto newly-promoted Championship side Birmingham City, managed by former Celtic No.2 Chris Davies, in the summer.
Kyogo made his first competitive appearance for the Midlands team against the Portman Road club last night – and was bang out of luck.
Within seven minutes, the lively raider had scored what looked like an exquisite lobbed goal only to see it ruled out for a barge on an opponent.
LITTLE BHOY BLUE…Kyogo Furuhashi lines up a shot during his Birmingham City debut against Ipswich Town at St Andrews.
And he was out of luck again with a lofted shot over the outrushing keeper in the 55th minute. The ball looked to be sailing unerringly for the vacant net, but smacked against the right-hand upright and rebounded to Jay Stansfield who thumped in a first-time effort to give the hosts the lead.
Kyogo was removed from the action in the 77th minute with Tommy Doyle coming on in his place.
Birmingham City’s hopes of three points to kick off their Championship campaign were scuppered five minutes into stoppage-time when Scotland international forward George Hirst fired in a penalty-kick leveller.
Happier times are undoubtedly ahead for Kyogo – and team-mate Tomoki Iwata who played the entire game – as the season progresses.
