As the season draws to its exciting climax, the Celtic supporters will be looking forward to the return of the domestic after this international break.
Brendan Rodgers seems to have his team firing in almost all departments at this crucial stage of the title run-in with many of his Celtic players looking like they are getting back to their best after a season where some of our top guns looked really off the pace.
Now that is down to many factors. Injuries have certainly played their part in Celtic’s rollercoaster form this season.
Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers have been huge misses. But it’s the return to form of Kyogo Furuhashi that has all the Celtic supporters talking.
The Japanese talisman has looked really sharp and dangerous in the wins over St Johnstone and Livingston with two goals and an assist.
And it’s that return to form that Gerry Creaney believes that Rangers will be very wary of Celtic’s trip to Ibrox next month.
Creaney says Rangers will be ‘looking out’ for Kyogo
No one can deny that Kyogo has struggled to find that sparkling form that crowned him Celtic’s Player of the Season last year but now, Creaney believes that the Japan international could be the ‘difference-maker’ for the fight for the Scottish Premiership.
Creaney said [The Sunday Post print edition page 68], “He could be the difference-maker, but it might not just be through goals. He’s so impressive to watch.
“That turn of speed, that sharpness aligned to what he’s trying to achieve – score goals.
“He’s diminutive but strong. I believe he’s still got players around him with the ability to slip balls through that he’s quick and sharp enough to get on.
“You see different facets and traits coming out of people when they’re under a bit more pressure.
“That’s something, I’m sure, Celtic players will be more than able to stand up to.
“And with Kyogo, there’s no doubt Rangers will be looking out for him as the danger man.”
Kyogo has terrorised Rangers
The Celtic striker took a bit of time to find his groove against our Glasgow rivals but over the past two seasons, Kyogo has absolutely terrorised Rangers.
In eleven appearances against the Ibrox club, the 29-year-old has won six, drawn two and lost three whilst contributing seven goals. [Transfermarkt]
In his first season, Kyogo missed two derbies due to a hamstring injury but it was in the treble-winning season 2022/23 that the Celtic striker put the Ibrox club to the sword.
In the 2-2 New Year derby Kyogo scored a vital late equaliser to fortify Celtic’s position at the top of the league.
In the following clash at Celtic Park, the Bhoys ran out 3-2 victors with a Kyogo double proving crucial in a win that virtually wrapped up the title.
The Japanese also put Rangers to the sword in the League Cup final with another double as Ange Postecoglou successfully defended the first trophy he won as the Celtic manager.
And this season, Kyogo scored the winner in the 1-0 Ibrox win and the 2-1 victory at Celtic Park.
I would say Rangers are going to be a little bit more than wary of Kyogo. I believe they will be fearing him the closer the April derby comes.