Celtic are preparing for the second Glasgow derby of the season. The countdown to kick-off has already begun, and Chris Sutton has earmarked a player who will be pivotal in proceedings.

Although his form over the past number of weeks has flattered to deceive, the Englishman thinks Hoops frontman Kyogo could be vital in the match: “Kyogo Furuhashi is going to be key and it’s down to Celtic to find a way to give their top gun the chances”, he said (RecordSport). “It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to work out that Kyogo is not at the peak of his powers. You only had to look at the one big opportunity he had against Dundee at Dens Park to see that.”

Kyogo Celtic
3rd December 2023; McDiarmid Park, Perth, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, St Johnstone versus Celtic; Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic

Sutton is right in saying the Japanese internationalist is misfiring. Two goals since the start of November make for disappointing reading, but the pundit believes he isn’t getting sufficient service. Sutton said: “He’s not hiding. He’s making runs, he’s trying to get in behind, he’s trying to make things happen. It’s just the supply isn’t there on a regular basis.”

There is no denying the fact that if Celtic can get the service to Kyogo in the derby, he could easily score multiple goals. At the minute, however, he seems a player starved of confidence.

This in no way impacts his quality, which is of a top level. One should not forget what the 28-year-old is capable of, and how it was his strike that decided the last Glasgow derby.

The centre-forward finished with venom into the bottom corner at Ibrox in a 1-0 win, and it is certain supporters would accept a similar result this time around at Parkhead. That is easier said than done, though.

1 COMMENT

  1. Practice makes perfect and he isn’t getting enough chances on the pitch had a chance against Dundee but be harsh to call it a sitter but kyoko will think so against livingston showed what a predator he is by losing marker and touching ball in from a palma shot to stay onside shows his awareness in the box he is by far the top striker in spl Rodgers is beginning to make him focal point the early ball from O’Leary is showing it against sevco on Saturday he will have more room if they squeeze up the pitch that will suit us can’t see them park the bus and they know Celtic will be stronger with players returning from injuries you see what a difference maedo makes hiata ,abda , awata and hold onto players and couple new signings if so defeat by Celtic clement will be trying to at least come away with a draw so won’t go all out for win he will know he won’t get a second chance to get this close to Celtic

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