Kyogo Furuhashi getting back to his razor-sharp best was one of the big highlights of Celtic’s 3-1 win over St Johnstone before the international break.
The Japanese superstar scored the opening goal and set up Nicolas Kuhn for the second in a comfortable victory over the Perth side.
Celtic, as a team, were much improved and that was in large part down to how involved Kyogo was. At times this term he’s looked isolated and adrift of his teammates with games passing him by.
Chris Sutton thinks there’ll be more to come from him in the remaining games this season, too, especially when compatriot Reo Hatate returns to the line-up.
The midfielder is closing in on a Celtic comeback after returning to group training at Lennoxtown and taking part in a bounce game during the week.
The outspoken pundit noticed his off-the-ball movement against Craig Levein’s side was electric and that he is again making runs that Hatate can make much better use of compared to other options.
Chris Sutton on Kyogo and Hatate Celtic connection
Sutton said [Daily Record]: “Kyogo Furuhashi looked more like his old self last weekend in the win over Craig Levein’s team and he would benefit massively from his countryman being in the side again.
“I saw a passage of play in that St Johnstone game when the striker made a brilliant run from deep which cut him straight through the visitors’ defence.
“Had Tomoki Iwata spotted the pass, Kyogo would have an age to go through on the keeper and pick his spot. Unfortunately for Celtic, he didn’t see it, but you can bet your last coin Hatate would have spotted it.
“It’s not being harsh on Iwata, it’s just a fact. The tempo and fluency in Celtic’s play will rocket if Hatate, McGregor are in tandem again.”
Remarkably, Kyogo and Hatate have only been on the pitch together for more than 45 minutes – in Celtic shirts – on six occasions this term. The four times that happened in the league resulted in victories.
Playing together happened far more regularly last season and resulted in five joint goal participations – Hatate’s most productive combination of his career outside of Kaoru Mitoma.
Getting them back together, fit, happy and motivated could well be the kind of spark that pushes Celtic on to the consistent form needed in the coming nine or ten matches.