Kyogo declares his Celtic injury return is close ahead of run in as fans boost helps striker through layoff

Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi has given a promising update on his fitness to a Japanese newspaper.

The striker has been out since sustaining a hamstring injury at St Johnstone on Boxing Day.

But nearly three months later he could be in line for a return, as he was spotted in light training at Lennoxtown this week.

Manager Ange Postecoglou quipped "he wasn't kidnapped" during the week but is reluctant to put a date on his recovery.

But the man himself seems bullish of his chances of returning for some crucial games in the coming months.

Celtic face rivals Rangers twice in the Premiership run-in with a Scottish Cup semi-final against their title rivals to come as well.

The hope from a Parkhead perspective is that he could play a part in those games, potentially as soon as the league meeting at Ibrox on April 3.

And in a column for Japan's Mainichi newspaper, Kyogo said: "I have been sidelined since my injury in December last year, but I am in very good shape now and feel that I am close to returning.

"I can feel that I genuinely like and enjoy playing football, and happily I have received many messages from supporters.

"I am spending my time here hoping to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, even if it is just for one day or one game."