Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu revealed he didn't travel to Scotland during his European tour. But the 54–year–old did have eyes on Kyogo and Reo Hatate during Celtic's 1–0 win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi final.
Moriyasu has drawn criticism for failing to select both for the World Cup – with the pair mixing it out to be named the best player in Scotland this season.
Team-mate Daizen Maeda is an entrenched member of the Samurai Blue. It was expected Moriyasu would head to Glasgow, however, he has admitted the in–person scouting mission was left to a pair of his closest confidants at the national stadium last month.
Speaking after his tour around the continent a significant chunk of his squad is based, he said: “I didn’t. I asked coach Hiroshi Nanami and coach Ryoichi Maeda to go to the semi-final.” Predicted Rangers XI as Beale rips up old Celtic script and new blood get chance to write their own Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.