Kyogo admits it’s an honour to be going back to Tynecastle as part of a Celtic team targeting the title. And if the Japanese hero strikes in Gorgie to hit a major club landmark of 30 goals this term, it will merely extend his magical run of breaking Hearts.
The 28-year-old has been causing devastation across Scotland for almost his entire spell under Ange Postecoglou. Yet, the very first time he appeared on the scene, Kyogo went almost unnoticed. Introduced as a 79th- minute sub for fellow new boy Liel Abada on the final day in July in 2021, the striker could do nothing to prevent a forgettable start to Premiership life for Postecoglou.
Kyogo was barely off an aeroplane after his quarantine spell when he was plunged into the Gorgie heat. Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie were among the main attackers back then, with Albian Ajeti on the scene as well.
Kyogo has seen many changes at the club since he signed and insists it is a privilege to still be a constant while others have come and gone. Asked if it feels as though his Celtic career would come full circle by bagging a title at Tynecastle, he said: “While I’ve been here at the club, a lot of players have left and a lot of players have come in. I’m honoured to be able to stay at the club and play here. I want to enjoy the games.
“We still have five league games left and we want to enjoy it as much as we did in the past seasons. Everyone is supporting me to get the goals.
“I just work hard to provide something back for them because they support me all the time. Being at this club is an honour already. By scoring the goals, I can give something back to the supporters and the club.”
He was just as pleased to see Jota score the clincher in last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers. Kyogo added: “We always get the win because we are united and work hard for it. I’m very pleased for everyone’s performance, every time.”
That’s set up a June 3 date with Inverness but attention is firmly on the flag and Sunday sees the chance to grab it again. But Kyogo said: “It’s important not to stick with the idea of winning the titles.
“We think this is another game in the league and we want to enjoy it. We will prepare and try to win the game. We will see the results at the end of the season. Every game we work hard and we will see.”
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