Kyogo addresses Japan snub as Celtic 'level of the league' criticism from boss swerved in bullish goal pledge

Striker Kyogo Furushashi insists he is fully focused on hitting new landmarks with Celtic after being left out of the Japan squad.

The frontman and teammate Reo Hatatae have been left out the squad for their games with Uruguay and Colombia despite their impressive run of form for Ange Postecoglou's runaway Scottish Premiership leaders, with Kyogo already netting 26 goals in all competitions this term. The 28-year-old has not played for his country since the pre-World Cup friendly against Ecuador in September.

While Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has picked Daizen Maeda for his squad once again, but took a pot shot at the standards of the Scottish Premiership when explaining his decision to leave Kyogo and Hatate out of the squad. Moriyasu claimed that multiple factors were considered including the "level of the league" they play in - leading to a bemused response from critics with the pair both in the running for Scotland's Player of the Year awards.

But the striker was keen to focus on improving his performances in the hope of winning over the national team boss. Asked about the call up snub the Parkhead fan favourite said told Japanese outlet Nikkan Gendai: "As an individual, I still have a long way to go. After all, there is no future unless I climb the small stairs one by one.

"I am not thinking about the next Japan national team, and I am concentrating on the next match for Celtic. There have been games where Daizen has played as a centre forward (at Celtic), so I don’t think I have any guarantee of being a starting lineup. I think it's similar situation.

Having already netted 20 league goals this term, Kyogo insists he is full focussed on surpassing his tally this term. He added: “I just want to clear 20 goals in