With the theme of internationals upon us this month of June and Scotland missing out on a play-off place for Qatar 2024 with Wales this afternoon, more players with Celtic connections have been singled out by their national team coach for praise – just as Giorgos Giakoumakis was similarly lauded by Gus Poyet for Greece.

Joe Ledley (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

And with Wales defeating Ukraine 1-0 congratulations are due to our Celtic cousins and in particular our own Welsh Bhoys John Barton, Joe Ledley, Adam Matthews and Craig Bellamy.

= John Hartson of Celtic celebrates scoring the 1st Celtic goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between FC Barcelona and Glasgow Celtic, held at The Nou Camp Stadium on November 24, 2004 (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

This time it is the turn of lightening quick duo Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda. A report by the Daily Record has revealed that Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu sees the two as his secret weapons against the might of Brazil in their upcoming fixture with the country of Vinicius Jnr, Richarlison and Neymar. The coach is aware of the potential threat the South Americans pose, but nonetheless is convinced his side can give as good as they get; and he more specifically reckons his Celtic stars can be at the forefront of this.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Hibernian FC at on January 17, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking via Record Sport, he said: “Brazil have many wonderful players, but so do we. We have players in great shape like Furuhashi who has now scored 20 goals for the season with Celtic and Maeda too. They are two very quick players and we know that opponents dislike that. I want to make use of their speed as a Japanese weapon.”

The pair didn’t start the last international match for Japan versus Paraguay, but did come off the bench for some minutes. Now though, it looks like the pair are primed and ready to show the might of Brazil what they are all about. The two recent acquisitions have been sterling in their performances this year for Ange Postecoglou and the current Celtic side. Maeda’s impact was especially impressive since arriving in January, considering he had just completed a full season in Asia.

With a rest and extensive pre-season behind them, there is just no telling the kind of impact they could have next year. The glamour of the Champions League awaits this time around which is a step up again. I’m sure these guys will be itching for a crack at it the same as their boss Ange Postecoglou. They will have a taster of the kind of talent and pedigree that lies in store for the season ahead, with Brazil boasting freshly-crowned European Cup winner Vinicius Jnr as part of their forward line.

I’m sure the Bhoys won’t have any trouble stealing the limelight from their counterpart when the two sides face-off in their next match.

Just remember lads: “We. Never. Stop!”

Paul Gillespie