Kyogo Earns Birmingham Lifeline Amid Celtic Return Links

Birmingham boss Chris Davies was delighted to see Kyogo Furuhashi make an immediate impact in the club’s opening pre-season fixture.

The former Celtic striker endured a frustrating campaign, with missed chances and injury limiting his influence across the season.

Kyogo was back among the goals as Birmingham beat Huddersfield Town 3-1 in Portugal to round off their training camp with a win.

Davies named a different side in each half, with Kyogo introduced after the break alongside former Celtic players Tomoki Iwata, Scott Wright and Patrick Roberts.

The Japanese forward quickly showed the movement Celtic supporters became used to during his time in Glasgow.

He had an early finish ruled out for offside after racing onto a ball over the top, but he remained involved and was eventually rewarded with two late goals.

Kyogo’s first came when Roberts sent a cross towards the back post. Kanya Fujimoto headed the ball back across goal, allowing the striker to nod into an empty net from close range.

Less than a minute later, Fujimoto played Kyogo through again.

The forward took the ball in his stride before lifting a composed finish over the oncoming goalkeeper to complete his double.

Davies was pleased to see Kyogo take his chances after a difficult period in front of goal.

Speaking via TCW, he said: “We all know the fine margins just went against Kyogo last season in terms of the conversion of chances, then he was injured for a while.

“He’s been working hard to try and improve his game, physically and everything else.

“I’m pleased for Kyogo, it will definitely make him feel good.”

The goals will give Kyogo a welcome lift as he looks to play a bigger part for Birmingham in the new season.

His movement was sharp throughout the second half and he continued to find space behind the Huddersfield defence.

That was one of his biggest strengths at Celtic, where his runs regularly caused problems for defenders and created chances for both himself and his teammates.

Pre-season matches will not decide his place in the side, but scoring twice in the opening game is a positive start.

Kyogo will now hope to build his fitness and keep finding the net as Birmingham continue their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

After dealing with missed chances and injury last season, his performance in Portugal was a timely reminder of the qualities that made him such a popular and important player at Celtic.