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.”
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.
