Football: Furuhashi scores, assists in Celtic's opening win

Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi scored one goal and set up another as champions Celtic got off to a winning start in the Scottish Premiership by powering past Ross County 4-2 at home on Saturday.

The Premiership's reigning golden boot winner, who has extended his contract with the treble winners until 2027, side-footed home Liel Abada's pass from the right in the 26th minute at Celtic Park for a 2-0 lead.

David Turnbull scored the 17th-minute opener before pouncing at the far post for Celtic's third in the 42nd minute. Furuhashi's chipped pass set up Matt O'Riley's fine finish for a 4-1 lead in the 73rd minute, while Ross County netted through Jordan White's header on the hour mark and a late deflected strike from James Brown.

Hearts' Japanese striker Yutaro Oda scored the opener, meanwhile, as the Edinburgh club began the season with a 2-0 win away to St. Johnstone.

The 21-year-old controlled a bouncing ball inside the box before smashing a low effort into the far bottom corner to give his side the lead in the 75th minute. Lawrence Shankland tapped in their second in stoppage time.

© Kyodo News