Former Celtic hero and now pundit John Hartson has made a big call regarding the Hoops’ starting lineup for their upcoming Scottish Cup clash with Livingston.
The Bhoys welcome the Lions to Parkhead at 2.30 pm on Sunday as they aim to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Hearts which was marred by VAR and poor officiating. Given Yang’s ordering off in the game, there will be natural speculation about the lineup for the upcoming match.
Indeed, Hartson thinks that despite making a positive impact on the game versus Hearts when he came on, striker Kyogo Furuhashi will be benched once again this time around: “He [Kyogo] had every right to be sharp and looking to make a point to his manager in terms of maybe coming back into the side”, said the Welshman (Go Radio Football Show – Tuesday).
“I personally don’t think that will happen (Kyogo returning to the lineup). I think Idah goes again.”
There is no getting away from the impactful mark Idah has left on the team since joining on loan from Norwich City. Other than his missed penalty at Hearts on Sunday, he has failed to put a foot wrong in Glasgow so far.
Bringing the Irishman into the team, however, has meant that Brendan Rodgers has had to sacrifice Kyogo. Hartson, though, still thinks the Japanese frontman has a role: “The good thing is, from Kyogo’s point of view, you don’t become a bad player overnight”, quipped the pundit.
“I still think he has a part to play between now and the end of the season. Good players just don’t become bad players. He’s an outstanding centre-forward.”
There is no denying Kyogo’s talents. He has come up with some crucial moments for the Hoops this season but at the minute, because of his play style and almost immediate impact, it is hard to see Rodgers dropping Idah.
Personally believe kyogo will be looking to leave come the end of the season if Rodgers remains in charge imo?
Looking like Rodgers is trying to turn kyogo into a no10 player, and kyogo certainly doesn’t seem happy in trying to adapt to the position either?
Been a total lack of service which he thrived upon with the wider men been able to get beyond the full backs and provide service to him?
This hasn’t happened this season, and only really worked for kyogo in the brilliant 2 CL goals he scored and against the scum where a higher defensive line is played?
Still believe a change in formation would be required in order to accommodate an idah and kyogo partnership, but we haven’t tried it to date this season, so would be very surprised if we were to start now, at this stage of the season imo?
Still think that a 352 could be played with the diamond in the midfield areas and allowing for 2 wide men either side, could be a better option for ourselves and allowing for idah and kyogo as a front 2 imo?
Enough within the squad to actually play it, and a great opportunity this weekend against a deep sitting team in livi to give it a go imo?
Still have Palma or Holm who could provide service at the top of a diamond while we wait upon the return of Hatate imo?
Wouldn’t like to lose kyogo as a player, but still believe Rodgers isn’t getting anywhere near the best from him as a player, to our loss so far this season imo?