Celtic talisman Kyogo Furuhashi returned to the Japan set-up over the international break to end his exile under Hajime Moriyasu.
The 29-year-old has been in decent form this campaign, registering six goals and three assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Earning his recall, Furuhashi came off the bench for Japan against China earlier this week, replacing Koki Ogawa for the last 13 minutes of proceedings in Xiamen.
Now primed for a return to the Celtic starting line-up, Brendan Rodgers will likely call on his instinctive nature at Tynecastle amid Adam Idah’s withdrawal from Ireland duty through injury.
Unsurprisingly, supporters have felt he should’ve been given more opportunities with Japan on the international stage, and Furuhashi certainly seems appreciative after finally being given a chance to stake his claim.
Kyogo Furuhashi reacts after featuring for Japan
Taking to Instagram, Furuhashi delivered a grateful message to Japan’s support following his part in a victory over China that took the Samurai Blue to within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup.
Japan now sit nine points ahead of Australia in Third Round Group C qualifying and could potentially seal the deal in March by defeating Bahrain if other results fall their way.
Daizen Maeda also appeared across both of their matches, while Reo Hatate came on in their 4-0 thumping of Indonesia.
Kyogo Furuhashi will have Celtic stardom on his mind
Despite a relatively impressive goalscoring record this season for Celtic, Furuhashi has the potential to reach even greater heights if his statistics are anything to go by this term.
On league duty, the Hoops icon has missed 12 big chances alongside holding an Expected Goal total of 7.9, by far the highest total across the division.
Hopefully, Furuhashi can hit the ground running after receiving a confidence boost on international duty with Japan.
