Determined Hajime Moriyasu has refused to count out crocked Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi for Japan's crucial World Cup double-header despite Ange Postecoglou all but ruling him out.
The Parkhead talisman has been injured since Boxing Day but the under-pressure national team boss appears keen to have a look at his star in person...just days before a potential return against Rangers.
And Moriyasu - who met with Celtic boss Postecoglou in Glasgow last month on a European tour to visit his Japanese players - revealed he still thinks there is a chance Furuhashi could make it.
He said: "I think it will be a last minute decision with Kyogo.
"It all depends on his condition then. There would also be a problem with his lack of match fitness too.
"I want to see if it's possible that he could come out here and we could make a decision then."
His high hopes comes only days after Postecoglou all but ruled out his best player making a quick-fire return in the coming weeks.
He said: "Kyogo probably will be back after the international break.
"We’re letting the injured guys go through their rehab and allow them to make sure they feel right about coming back. They’ll be back soon enough.”
Japan are desperate to include Furuhashi in their crucial matches against Australia and Vietnam in Sydney and Saitama in their fight for a place in Qatar.
The 27-year-old has won 12 caps for his country and netted three goals, but his hamstring injury has hampered his progress after a spectacular start to life Scottish football with 16 goals in 26 appearances.
