Ange Postecoglou welcomes Celtic summit with Japan boss over determined but 'gentle soul' Kyogo

Kyogo Furuhashi was left behind and frustrated as Celtic team-mates headed away on international duty. Behind the constant smile, Ange Postecoglou could feel the disappointment in his hitman.

But the shock snub has no chance of stopping red-hot Kyogo from taking his vibrant positivity into Celtic’s run-in. And it also won’t stop Postecoglou from welcoming Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu back into Lennoxtown to talk shop.

Kyogo had 11 goals in the bag before the World Cup. It still wasn’t enough to convince the national coach of the Blue Samurai. Since Qatar, he’s hit another 15 including two in a Viaplay Cup Final. Yet still Moriyasu was unmoved. The Japan boss suggested the strength of the Scottish Premiership was behind his decision to omit Kyogo and Reo Hatate, despite naming Daizen Maeda in his squad for the last camp. Moriyasu and his coaching staff are now heading to Europe to assess players again ahead of the summer internationals and Glasgow is a surefire destination.

Postecoglou will be waiting with an open office door as he explained: “Haijime has been here before to visit us and we have had other staff from the Japan national team, too. There have been other coaches visit and I believe Jurgen Klinsmann is planning a trip. There are no issues.

“I know Hajime very well from my time over there and I would be happy to see him. We are a very welcoming club for everyone.”

Postecoglou knows Kyogo’s professionalism and attitude will ensure he’s in top form for Dingwall tomorrow and the rest of the season, but that doesn’t mean the striker isn’t incentivised. Behind that smile lies an inner steel as the Parkhead gaffer explained: “Kyogo is always positive, but don’t be mistaken. He is a very ambitious and determined player.