Celtic stars set for World Cup 2022 chance as late Japan strikes sink Australia and set a course for Qatar

Japan have secured their place at Qatar 2022 with a 2-0 win over Australia despite no Celtic stars featuring.

That means Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate will be eyeing a spot in the squad to travel to the World Cup this winter.

Hatate was on the bench for qualifying clash, while Maeda had been called up but missed the game due to a fitness issue but Kyogo is still out with a hamstring injury but would be a cert to be included in the squad if fully fit.

Countrymen Yosuke Ideguchi wasn't selected by Hajime Moriyasu this time but with 15 caps, he could also be in with a shout come November.

Japan secured their after their place at a seventh consecutive World Cup thanks to two late goals from Kauro Mitoma in the 89th and 94th minute.

Celtic passed on their congratulations to the Japan team via Twitter.

The Japanese quadrant aren't the only members of Ange Postecoglou's Premiership leading side that are on a high on the international stage.

Josip Juranovic’s Croatia have already qualified and there's several of Celtic's stars on international duty this week with opportunities to cement a place at the controversial tournament.

Tom Rogic, who missed the defeat to Japan with injury can still could still qualify via the play-offs.