Celtic received both good and bad news in equal measures over the festive period and that was Kyogo Furuhashi being snubbed by Japan.
The Asian Cup is underway, with Celtic duo Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate representing their respective country, but there was no place for their club teammate.
Andy Walker told Go Radio that Kyogo Furuhashi is going to be ‘fired up’ as a result of all of this, with domestic action returning after the winter break.
Brendan Rodgers’ men welcome Highland Football League side Buckie Thistle to Parkhead on Sunday, with Celtic’s star man expected to start up front.
This is the 29-year-old’s chance to let it all out and prove to Hajime Moriyasu that he made a mistake not selecting him – Japan suffered a shock defeat to Iraq on Friday.
Whilst fans will be disappointed for Kyogo Furuhashi that he didn’t get picked, it means that he remains fresh and ready for the second half of the campaign.
And Andy Walker is backing the multiple derby day hero to explode during these coming months by proving why he is the best in the country.
“I think it’s really good news that Kyogo isn’t in Japan,” said Walker. “I think the way he played against Rangers showed you that he has still got exceptional qualities.
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