Striker Kyogo Furuhashi has been one of Celtic and Ange Postecoglou’s most influential players so far this campaign.

In the league, the Japanese has scored 22 goals in 29 games including a brace at the weekend in the 3-2 Glasgow derby victory.

Despite this utterly terrific form, the 28 year old was not taken to the World Cup and also missed out on the most recent Japan squad for the March internationals.

This is surprising as it is frustrating for Kyogo as according to Jay Bothroyd, who turned out for three J. League clubs towards the end of his career, he is just the striker Japan need (Daily Record):

“Calling Kyogo Furuhashi to the national team is a must.

“The Celtic striker is the No. 9 Japan needs. He doesn’t waste his chances. He was the same with Vissel Kobe and continues to do the same at Celtic.”

The reasons behind a Kyogo call up are coherent and logical however what Bothroyd says is not is why he has not been recently included:

“I cannot agree with Moriyasu’s statement that he is not satisfied with the level of the Scottish league when he chose Daizen Maeda.”

Many a fan recognised what Bothroyd is saying which shows Japan boss Moriyasu’s ignorance and inaccuracies.

However Bothroyd did poke at how some ‘deeper’ problems might be at play:

“This is just speculation but there may be deeper issues. I just don’t know.”

If there was further issues, this would make sense of Kyogo’s snubs as why would a manager not want an on form, free scoring striker in his squad.

Nevertheless like Bothroyd said, he is only speculating.