Kyogo was Celtic’s League Cup Final hero last time around and is looking to repeat the trick at Hampden this afternoon against theRangers. The Celtic striker is Scotland’s top goalscorer but was something of a doubt for this game after his recent shoulder injury in the match against St Mirren.
However he has declared himself fully fit and ready to start today, looking to add to his goalscoring exploits this season and to get his second goal against theRangers after opening his account in the Glasgow Derby last time out at Ibrox to earn Celtic a 2-2 draw and maintain the Hoops nine points lead at the top of the league looking down on theRangers.
A fully fit Kyogo is almost certain to start this afternoon and the Japanese striker is clearly looking forward to playing in another Cup Final.
“I am looking forward to it,” Kyogo said, as reported by Glasgow Times. “I am excited about the game. We have prepared as a team, and I am prepared myself too. My shoulder is feeling good.
“After that injury, I had a lot of positive support from my team-mates and the Celtic staff. I was able to return to football because of them and I want to pay them all back (at Hampden).”
Kyogo’s stunning double strike in last season’s League Cup Final turned around the game in Celtic’s favour after Hibs took the lead. And the 28 year-old Japanese striker is up for tasting some more cup final glory today.
“I was very happy to achieve the trophy together with the fans last season. I was very happy to score two goals to help the team. It was one of the most memorable moments of my career,” Kyogo admitted.
“I would love to repeat this on Sunday. I was happy to score an important goal against Rangers last time out. It was an important game too. So I would like to score more goals.
“Every game is important in Scotland but this one is a big opponent. I would like to play more of these derby games.”
While Kyogo is one of the top performers this season and his goalscoring form has been nothing short of outstanding, he is keen to mention the excellence throughout the team rather than focus on himself, when asked if he could be in the running for this season’s Player of the Year.
“First of all thank you for saying I may be a contender for player of the year, I am very humble. I genuinely enjoy football. I don’t think about other things. I focus on playing well, scoring goals and contributing to the team.
“Joe Hart, Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers…there are so many players I can’t decide on a player of the season.
“In terms of Reo Hatate, he is a versatile hard-working and talented player. I am honoured to be in the same team as him but we have so many talented players which helps us prepare for every game.”
Looking ahead to the challenges of making a mark in European football next season, Kyogo looked back to that opening game against Real Madrid in the Champions League campaign earlier in the season.
“In the Real Madrid game we made so many chances. We couldn’t score because they are a fantastic team. We were very disappointed by that but I think we played very well overall. Next season it would be a great opportunity to play in the competition again and play against some of the best teams in Europe.
“I think we will be a better team. There is no such thing as complete but we aim high every time we train and play a game. So we will look to improve next season and play better.”
That’s all for another day, today it’s all about Kyogo and his Celtic teammates putting on a show at Hampden and shutting up the noisy, disrespectful neighbours whose behaviour this past few weeks will make a Celtic victory today all the sweeter. Come on you Bhoys in Green.
🟢 League Cup Final Matchday! ⚪️
🆚 Rangers
🏆 #ViaplayCup Final
⌚ 3pm
🏟️ Hampden Park
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
📺 Live on @ViaplaySportsUK #CELRAN | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/hBm9qe7Krk— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 26, 2023
