Former Celtic player, Andy Walker has complimented Kyogo’s ‘big’ mentality’ when facing theRangers at Ibrox on Glasgow Derby Day.

Celtic travelled to Ibrox to face a stadium full of hostile fans as well as a Rangers side that’s had more minutes on the pitch this season due to their unsuccessful Champions League qualifying campaign. Despite this, the Bhoys not only got the victory but successfully repelled every attempt on goal by Rangers and maintained a clean sheet with a makeshift defence due to injuries.

Time and time again, Kyogo has stepped up to the plate for Celtic and pulled through by sticking the ball in the back of the net. Scoring sum 34 goals last season has seen Kyogo cement himself as a Celtic legend already, including the five he scored against theRangers.

However, along with Sunday’s atmosphere at Ibrox, and the pressure placed upon the squad following two poor results, Kyogo had the confidence to strike the ball first-time on the volley on the edge of the box and slot the ball past Jack Butland.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates after scoring during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic FC at Ibrox on September 03, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

This was a truly incredible strike from Kyogo, and when considering the circumstances, it seems even more impressive from the Japanese international. Yesterday Andy Walker complimented Kyogo’s mentality, saying that Kyogo has the necessary mentality for these crucial matches.

Speaking to GoRadio, Walker praised the Celtic striker. “It only takes a moment and he is someone who has got a big mentality for that game. Five goals against (the)Rangers last season. And he is already up and running now.”

theRangers v Celtic – cinch Premiership – Kyogo Furuhashi right celebrates with Matt O Riley after scoring during the cinch Premiership match at the Ibrox on Sunday 3 September 3, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan

Kyogo managed to net the ball five times against Rangers last season. Although this is already an impressive statistic by itself, Kyogo has already netted his first this season very early on, so what’s stopping him from trying to improve on last season?

The Hoops will face theRangers again before the end of the year, in a packed Paradise, without any away support. Hopefully, Brendan will have the squad in better shape by then, though by theRangers’ performance at the weekend, it may not matter as long as Kyogo’s starting up front. Wonder if Mick Beale will last that long as theRangers manager?