Kyogo reveals how Celtic dream almost ended before it begun as he names man who stopped the unthinkable

To the Celtic fans who adore him, it’s a notion that now seems inconceivable.

Kyogo Furuhashi not making it as a footballer. And it’s not just Hoops supporters. To any Premiership centre-half who has had to try and mark him since he arrived at Parkhead, that must sound ridiculous. But it could have happened, you know. As a kid growing up in Ikoma, he was initially more interested in swimming than soccer. But Kyogo soon got the bug and quickly discovered he had a knack of finding the back of the net with his chances.

He was destined to be a striker – even if, when he got older, some coaches tried him out at full-back. But in his late teens Kyogo genuinely contemplated quitting the sport he loved. At University in Japan, he weighed up alternative careers, knowing that only a tiny percentage of young players make it as a pro footballer. Gaffer Ange Postecoglou, Celtic’s support – and Scottish football as a whole – should be grateful that he kept going.

Irrespective of your allegiance, the 28-year-old’s effervescent character, natural enthusiasm – and the constant smile on his face – add value to our game. And that’s aside from his undoubted talent.

Tonight, he’ll be honoured by the Scottish Football Writers Association as their Player of the Year, adding to his countless other awards. But if it wasn’t for Takeshi Oki, the coach at J2 League club FC Gifu, giving him an opportunity in 2017, we might never have seen him in action.

Kyogo said: “I was actually a swimmer from three years old. But all the kids in the neighbourhood were playing football. I thought ‘That’s cool’, so I started playing.

“Even at that age I was in front of the goal all the time. Every time I received the ball I’d just shoot and score. That was fun for