Ange Postecoglou delivered the exciting news earlier today that Kyogo is now fully fit and ready to play again after being missing since Boxing Day after pulling his hamstring at McDiarmid Park, in Perth.
The Celtic manager stopped short of saying that Kyogo might be in his starting eleven for Sunday’s trip to Ibrox and the smart money is on the Japanese talisman coming on from want will be an incredibly strong bench.
And it should be noted that over the past few days we have had several pundits lining up to state that the sheer sight of Japan international Kyogo on the pitch or on the bench this Sunday will be enough to unnerve theRangers as they take on Celtic, in what many on the blue side of Glasgow feel like is a must win contest if they are to keep their faltering title hopes alive.
Frank McAvennie, for instance believes that theRangers defence will be hoping that the returning striker is nowhere near Ibrox this weekend, or any of the upcoming meetings between the two sides in April. He feels that Kyogo has the type of pace that will frighten Goldson and Co as Celtic chase down all three points that would give them a huge six point lead in a title race that has been nip and tuck all season.
“Kyogo is the man,” he said, as reported by Football Scotland. “It’s the first time in years I have seen someone at Celtic running in behind.
“His pace frightens the life out of defenders and I’m sure the Rangers backline would prefer it if he was nowhere near Ibrox or any of the derbies that are coming up.
“Daizen Maeda and Giakoumakis too – Celtic have really good options up there. All three have been great additions. Giakoumakis gives you that presence the others don’t.
“But Kyogo with his pace and touch is the man for me. Even just being on the bench could unnerve Rangers, if he’s waiting for his chance.
“Will the manager fancy playing two in the run in? I’m not so sure. It seems to be one or the other. Maybe Maeda can play out on the left but that’s Jota’s spot until the end of the season for me.”
We can see that McAvennie not only rates Kyogo, but is also full of praise for our other two striking options, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda. Celtic really do have a wealth of talent in the attacking areas, and the timing is perfect for Kyogo to return on what looks like being the most important month of the season.
The Japanese striker will not find it easy to muscle his way straight back in to the starting eleven however, with Giakoumakis in particular in red-hot goalscoring form. Maeda has also been proving his worth to the team recently, showing his versatility by playing in all 3 areas across Celtic’s attacking line in the past few weeks, chipping in with his own fair share of goals and assists.
I have absolutely no doubt that whoever starts up front on Sunday will prove a menace. Ange Postecoglou will make the decision on whether he thinks the pace and movement of Kyogo or Maeda is more suited to this contest or whether the physicality and poachers prowess that Giakoumakis provides is what he wants to utilise.
No matter who starts it will be comforting to know that if it’s not working we have plenty of options from the bench who could come on and change the game in an instant and thats where I see the big advantage Celtic have. With everyone now injury free it is clear that put of the two sides we posses the stronger squad overall, especially in an attacking sense.
Conall McGinty
