Unfortunately for Celtic, Japan WILL be able to call on players from across Europe for their next international break at the end of January – taking them into February.
There was ambiguity around whether the JFA could only call up domestic players for the World Cup qualifiers – it’s turned out not to be the case.
It means ALL our Japanese players are up for grabs when it comes to Japan squad selection.
Dan Orlowitz, a Japanese based journalist has become a fountain of knowledge for Celtic fans and done the rounds on media channels in the UK about Celtic’s Japanese contingent.
When asked on social media how likely Celtic’s four Japanese players are likely to be called up, the one thing Dan was certain about was Kyogo.
Kyogo has been in the squad and played. Maeda and Hatate were in the squad during the last international break but didn’t see game time. Ideguchi is well out of the picture right now.
It matters to Celtic who and how many are called up. Anyone given the nod for Japan will miss the Glasgow Derby game at the start of February.
Add to that Tom Rogic heading out to play for Australia – Celtic could be depleted.
If three or more first team players are ruled out due to the international break Celtic fan request the game be rescheduled.
We will be in conversation with all three Japanese bhoys on Tuesday afternoon. Check out our YouTube later today.
