Shin Yamada has set his sights on becoming Celtic’s next leading man up top, and believes his pace and power can fill the void left by Kyogo Furuhashi’s January departure.

The 25-year-old arrived in Glasgow this summer from Kawasaki Frontale and has wasted no time making his case, scoring the decisive penalty against Al-Ahli in the Como Cup. With Kyogo gone, the door is wide open for someone to step up.

Celtic never signed a direct replacement when Kyogo left midway through last season, relying instead on Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and Johnny Kenny to carry the burden. Now Yamada believes he can be the long-term answer.

The Japanese forward has huge respect for Kyogo’s achievements in Glasgow but is confident he brings something different to the role.

He said: (RecordSport), “Obviously I heard all the news about Kyogo scoring goals for Celtic.

“As players, I would say some parts of our game is similar. In front of goal, especially.

“However, I have something different which is speed and power. With that, I hope to perform as well as him and contribute to Celtic.

“I have speed at one-v-ones. I like to run behind the defenders. That is one of my strengths.”

Yamada’s style offers a more physical, direct option than Kyogo’s movement-based approach. His willingness to get in behind and stretch defences could give Brendan Rodgers fresh tactical flexibility.

Celtic were criticised in January for not replacing Kyogo, and the spotlight remains on how his squad will evolve heading into the new campaign. Yamada, by his own admission, is hungry to make his mark.

With the Champions League return and domestic challenges to come, the timing couldn’t be better for someone to step up. If the Japanese forward can translate his pre-season impact into competitive form, Celtic fans may soon be singing his name.