Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi continued his resurgence by getting on the scoresheet against St Mirren yesterday at Parkhead.
On the hour mark, the Japan international evaded the Buddies’ backline due to his elite movement before bulleting an Alistair Johnston centre home either side of Reo Hatate’s and Adam Idah’s efforts.
Despite only having nine touches of the ball, Furuhashi took three shots, completed two defensive actions, made two successful passes and recorded an Expected Goal ratio of 0.78, demonstrating a ruthlessness to convert when his opportunity came along [Fotmob].
In typical fashion, the 29-year-old can go unseen, even when Celtic have comfortable possession; nevertheless, he was there when it mattered yesterday, scoring a game-clinching goal that led to Idah adding some gloss to the scoreline.
Overall, Furuhashi has registered 16 goals and four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this term, with three in his last five outings [Transfermarkt].
Although not as prolific as his 34-goal season in 2022/23, it is still a realistic prospect that he could break 20 strikes in our remaining fixtures, which would be a respectable tally factoring in his adjustment to a slightly altered role under Brendan Rodgers.
Kyogo Furuhashi makes powerful pledge to Celtic fans
In the wake of his goal against St Mirren, Furuhashi has taken to Instagram, delivering a powerful vow to the Celtic support as he aims to end this campaign on a high note.
As seen below, the Nara-born forward posted a selection of pictures from the match, accompanied with a caption that reads: ‘I will continue to work hard to play more powerfully from now on! I won’t lose to myself.’ (followed by a four-leaf clover, a mushroom emoji, and a second four-leaf clover).
Furuhashi is an iconic figure among the Celtic support, and even when he isn’t getting the rub of the green in front of goal, the Japan international gives 100% every time he steps out onto the pitch.
With the season run-in now on the horizon, expect him to be a crucial player as we aim to seal a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.