Kyogo Japan snub blasted as Celtic striker earns top marks from ex England international who fears 'deeper issues' at play

Kyogo’s Japan snub has been blasted by England cap Jay Bothroyd after seeing J-League talent up close during his time in the Far East.

Furuhashi's double against Rangers at the weekend pushed him up to fourth place in the European top scorers' chart. His 22 league goals mean he is only behind Harry Kane in third with 23, Fenerbahce's Enner Valencia with 26 and Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland who is on 30 league strikes.

However, Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu caused huge controversy in his homeland by leaving him out of his last squad after expressing concern about the standard of the Scottish Premiership – despite including Hoops teammate Daizen Maeda. Now former Wolves, Cardiff City and Perugia striker Bothroyd, who was capped by England and ended his career playing for three clubs in the J-League, has demanded Japan include Furuhashi in their next squad. He said: "Calling Kyogo Furuhashi to the national team is a must.

"The Celtic striker is the No.9 Japan needs. He doesn't waste his chances. He was the same with Vissel Kobe and continues to do the same at Celtic. Why let Bochum's Takuma Asano play as a striker as a stopgap? Perhaps Asano and Furuhashi would be suitable as the top two pairing up front.

"But if you need a player who can score goals, then Furuhashi is a must. I cannot agree with Moriyasu's statement that he is not satisfied with the level of the Scottish League when he chose Daizen Maeda. Celtic could play against a team from the likes of Belgium or the Netherlands and certainly win. So the low standards in Scotland argument doesn't add up.

"This is just speculation, but there may be deeper issues. I just don't know. However, what is clear is that Furuhashi has scored 28 goals in all