KYOGO FURUHASHI has been rewarded for his form for Celtic by being called up by Japan for the first time in a year.
The Hoops’ prolific striker has got the nod to join team-mates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda in the international squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying double bill.
Kyogo has been the main Hoops hitman since joining in late July 2021 in a £4.6million switch from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe.
However, this penalty box skills have been utilised sparingly by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who overlooked the 22-year-old forward’s talents for the 2022 World Cup and this year’s Asian Cup.
LETHAL…Kyogo Furuhashi pounces to slam the third goal past Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov in Celtic’s 6-0 win in the Premier Sports League Cup semi-final at Hampden.
Kyogo, though, is included in the player pool for the away games in Indonesia a week tomorrow and China four days later.
The fans’ favourite has scored six goals in 15 games for the champions this season and his overall contribution to the team has earned him a recall.
He was watched by a Japanese contingent in Celtic’s 3-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig at Parkhead on Tuesday and his display confirmed his comeback for his country.
Moriyasu revealed he and his staff “were always watching him” and, speaking to sports media outlet France 24, said: “I don’t need to tell you that he has achieved a lot and is a big presence in Europe with Celtic, and this time I have chosen him.
“We want to create a structure where he can get goals, first of all.
“We also want him to work hard as the first point of defence, as he does for Celtic.”
Moriyasu’s team have 10 points after four games and lead Asian qualifying Group C.
They have a five-point advantage over Australia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain who are separated by goal difference.
