Martin O’Neill make his feelings clear about Kyogo furuhashi’s coming back to the club if emerge as Celtic manager

Kyogo Furuhashi’s familiar Celtic celebration with Birmingham fans will ‘mean a lot’ says Chris Davies

If Celtic fans will remember Kyogo Furuhashi for one thing, it will be goals.

Especially big goals. Cup finals, Glasgow Derbies, Champions League, Europa League… Kyogo proved himself to be a reliable presence in big games.

Brought to Glasgow by Ange Postecoglou, he spent three-and-half years at Celtic before departing for French side Rennes this January.

After an unenjoyable six months in Brittany, Kyogo made the quickfire switch back to the UK with a shock move to Birmingham – and even more shocking has been his lack of goals at St Andrews.

In fact, he has now made 13 Championship appearances without scoring. Despite this, he was in a happy mood after his side’s win over Millwall.

Chris Davies on ex-Celtic man Kyogo Furuhashi’s form and celebrations

Birmingham boss Chris Davies is a familiar name to Celtic fans, having assisted Brendan Rodgers in his first spell at Parkhead.

He was reunited with Patrick Roberts in the summer, and fellow ex-Celt Tomoki Iwata is a key player at the Blues.

Birmingham have been inconsistent since their promotion to the second tier, but a 4-0 hammering of Millwall was absolutely a step in the right direction.

Kyogo was used as a substitute, and missed a gilt-edged chance after being set up by Roberts in the second half.

Despite this, he could still be seen leading the post-match celebrations in front of the Kop at St Andrews.

Speaking on Kyogo after the game, Davies said: “That means a lot because that’s signifying that they recognise he gives a lot, and they want to support him and they believe in him. They wouldn’t do that if they didn’t believe in him.

“He gets more chances than anyone. He’s so clever, his movement, his runs, he’s quick, and I’ve said it before, but they will go in.

“He’s growing in confidence. Despite the fact that he hasn’t scored tonight, I can tell in training he’s growing.

“He didn’t play a lot of football before he came in France. He’s building and he’s giving us a lot when he’s coming on.

“Any striker is the same but Kyogo is very focused and very professional. He understands. He’s also experienced and I’m sure he’s been here before.

“I would not be telling the truth if I said I was worried in any way about Kyogo because I’m not. I think he’s a really good player, we’re lucky to have him and he’s going to score goals.”

Kyogo Furuhashi and other ex-Celtic players in the Championship

Birmingham aren’t the only Championship club with several ex-Celtic players; both Nat Phillips and Mikey Johnston ply their trade at West Brom.

Swansea City paid Celtic around £7 million for the services of Adam Idah in the summer in what was a surprising move.

Jeffrey Schlupp has gone from starting in the Champions League knockout stages to sitting on the bench at Norwich as they languish in the Championship relegation zone. Rough.

Karamoko Dembele and Liam Morrison at QPR, Rocco Vata at Watford and Daniel Kelly at Millwall are among the others.

The news was met with a mixed reaction from Celtic fans as many expressed disappointment whilst others said Nancy needs to be backed, just like former Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou.

However, it seems those reports may well be a bit premature after MLS journalist and writer for The Athletic, Tom Bogert, shares what he has been told about Nancy and Celtic.