Kyogo advised to concentrate on Celtic

Noel Whelan has been using his platform on much maligned website Football Insider to give us his opinion on a recent interview by Celtic’s Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi, carried out while on international duty in his native country.

As reported by Japanese sports journalist Dan Orlowitz regarding EPL aspirations, Kyogo said: “Many players go from Scotland to the EPL; it’s motivating to see (Takehiro Tomiyasu) do well. Good results could open that path for me … but I have to get results to survive at (Celtic) & JNT … I want to do the best I can and contribute to (both) teams.”

A Celtic flag in support of Kyogo Furuhashi. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Whelan, who played for Aberdeen, Livingston and Dunfermline in the twilight days of his career often comments on Scottish football even though during his few years in Scotland he managed less than 30 appearances between those 3 clubs.

“Right now, he has to concentrate on the club who signed him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury. Rather than talking about speculation about the Premier League, first and foremost he has to do his job with Celtic.

“If he does that job right, then speculation will come his way and there will be offers. The last thing that Celtic will want to hear right now is him talking about the Premier League when he’s got a massive job ahead of him at the club.

“He’s been there what – two minutes? It shows a little bit of a lack of respect if you ask me.

Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates after scoring against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“There’s nothing wrong with aspiring to play in the Premier League, but you’ve only just signed for Celtic – and there’s a massive job ahead to bring silverware back to Parkhead”.

Whelan is obviously trying to stir the pot here with his opinion. Kyogo was asked a question regarding his EPL aspirations so answered it honestly. It isn’t like he’s angling for a move as soon as possible, he’s just being honest that he hopes that in the future he can make a move to the EPL.

We all know that most players, especially the ones who have arrived from overseas hope to use Celtic as a gateway to the EPL. There will be the few unique players who completely buy into Celtic and want to spend the best part of their career there but there are others who may have dreamt of playing in England all their lives and if that’s what they want then so be it.

Celtic v AZ Alkmaar –  Europa League – Play-Off – First Leg – Celtic s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring. Photo Andrew Milligan

I don’t think it shows a lack of respect. Liel Abada has also been talking recently about his hopes of playing in the EPL at some stage also. I’m sure there are plenty of others hoping the same. As Celtic fans all we want is that they give Celtic their best while they are here and hopefully we get a good few years out of them.

We all know from last season what happens when you hold on to players longer than they actually want to be there…..

Conall McGinty

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About Author

Hailing from Cushendall in the North of Ireland my formative years were spent watching Celtic during our barren spell through the 90's which meant I have appreciated our recent trophy-laden spell even more. Favourite matches home and away I've attended has to be beating Man Utd 1-0 at Celtic Park and being with my 2 brothers watching us beat Lazio 2-1 in Rome. Best away day experience? Has to be Munich with friends from Coatbridge...what a few days!

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