Ange Postecoglou names his Celtic transfer 'banker' as one star left him in no doubt of major Parkhead success

Ange Postecoglou says there's been one player he knew would be a roaring Celtic success as soon as pen was to paper on a contract - Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Japanese striker has been an integral part of the Australian boss' plans since the summer of 2021, when he was brought in from Vissel Kobe. He has scored huge goals for the Hoops like doubles in both League Cup finals during his time in Glasgow, on top of an abundance of Premiership strikes.

Speaking to Celtic TV, Postecoglou reflected on Kyogo's first hat-trick in Scotland during a 6-0 thrashing of Dundee, as the Parkhead gaffer celebrates reaching 100 games in the job. His recruitment has been widely lauded since his arrival but his number eight has special praise reserved: "It was huge. In those early days whilst I was trying really hard to put the framework together on how I wanted us to play our football, there was very little evidence of it for supporters.

"Results weren't a reflection on the team we wanted to be and our performances similarly had some encouragement. I knew my first signings would be really important and for any supporter base, if you can excite them in the initial bit, that helps.

"Kyogo was my banker, I had no doubt he would be successful. His debut against Hearts he literally walked into the meal at lunchtime where he met the boys and then he met the boys.

"Once he was up and running, I knew he would excite the fans and be a good footballer for us. That was hugely important as the support I got in that early part was on the back of not seeing real evidence of the team yet, but seeing the individuals within that, in the context of football we want to play."

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