Kyogo welcomes Celtic demand in Champions League as striker tips Parkhead pal to be Brendan Rodgers' 'game-changer'

There is a lot resting on Kyogo’s shoulders going into this Champions League campaign and it doesn’t seem to bother the smiling assassin that one of them pops out from time to time.

The Celtic hitman is happy to take the load and provide his side’s main punch up top as they prepare to take on the cream of the continent. The Japanese star was at it again on Saturday as he stole the show in the win against Dundee before immediately setting his sides on Feyenoord.

But he didn’t half give fans a fright. Early on at Parkhead, Kyogo disappeared up the tunnel and it was obvious he wasn’t away to spend a penny, with his left arm limp by his side. A few minutes later he reappeared and it was back to business as he scored one cracker and superbly set up another in an eventually comfortable victory over Tony Docherty’s determined Dundee side. Punters are fast coming to the conclusion Kyogo is the best frontman they’ve seen since Henrik Larsson was doing his thing.

Back then it was only the Swede’s tongue that occasionally popped out though. But when asked about this troublesome shoulder issue that will eventually need surgical intervention, Kyogo said: “There is no problem. None at all. There’s no problem, so nothing to worry about.”

Case closed according to the hitman. Kyogo knows he will be needed in De Kuip tomorrow night as Celts kick off their Champions League group stages against the red hot Dutch champions. Feyenoord have clattered 17 goals in their last three league games including another six on Saturday against Heerenveen.

Kyogo is well aware Celtic will need to defend for their lives – but they will also need to make the most of any sniffs at goal when they come around. That’s where the lessons from last season must