Frank McAvennie knew plenty about spooking defenders for Celtic and West Ham.
And he reckons Kyogo Furuhashi’ s ability to frighten the life out of Premiership stoppers will have Rangers running scared in the Premiership run-in.
The Japanese ace hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since December after being struck by a hamstring injury.
But he returned to training earlier this month and McAvennie reckons just his presence in the Hoops squad at Ibrox on Sunday could be unnerving for Gio van Bronckhorst ’s side.
With three massive Old Firms approaching in the league and Cup McAvennie knows Ange Postecoglou won’t take any risks – especially with the form of Giorgos Giakoumakis.
But Kyogo’s ability to run in behind and stretch defences could be the key to unlocking the title for Celtic, according to McAvennie.
He said: “Kyogo is the man. 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.”
McAvennie, who rattled in 18 goals during season 1987/88 as the Hoops clinched the title in their centenary year, reckons the balance lies in Celtic’s favour heading into the final seven games of the season.
And not just because they are on a 31-game unbeaten domestic run that has provided a three-point cushion at the top.
The 62-year-old is adamant Rangers’ Euro exertions will take their toll, no matter how much momentum they build on the continent with a double header against Braga falling in the middle of two derbies during a manic April.
He said: “The key for me is the fact Celtic are no longer playing Thursday nights. It’s a long, hard season and Rangers have been brilliant in Europe.
“But one of their games against Braga falls just days before the semi final. They will say it doesn’t matter – but it does.
“Celtic looked sharper after being knocked out of Europe. Everything was quick whereas in the few games beforehand, coming off Thursday night matches, they were a bit off it. That week off helped.”
While Celtic’s forward line is flourishing, there are others, in reserve, who look destined for the chop when it comes to the summer.
Postecoglou is certain to cut his cloth with a bumper first-team squad needing streamlined and McAvennie believes a couple of big names will know their time is up.
Others, including the mercurial Mikey Johnston, are heading into make or break time for their Parkhead futures according to Macca.
He said: “One thing for sure –Albian Ajeti is out the window now. They have to get him out in the summer. He’s not going to get a game.
“He never got a game at West Ham so I thought when he came up here he’d have his work cut out.
“Mikey Johnston too. He has been a good servant, he’s a talented boy but he’s not done it in recent games.
“There will be another overhaul in the summer. If Mikey wants to stay then he really needs to step up before the end of the season. He should be relishing every chance he gets.
“The good thing is that this manager has given everyone a chance. Even wee Karamoko Dembele has come on a couple of times in the last few weeks.
“These boys need to look at Jota and Abada and James Forrest and realise that’s the standard they need to get to if they’re to have a future at Celtic.”
