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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Kyogo 'prepared to respond' to anything as he discusses Rodgers tactical tweaks

Kyogo Furuhashi has opened up on his role at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers.

The 28-year-old has been dropping deeper to join the build-up play this season after functioning as a mostly penalty-box striker under former boss Ange Postecoglou.

He has scored three goals and provided two assists during the Hoops' first five games, including netting the winner during the recent clash against Rangers at Ibrox.

And Kyogo insists he is happy with the slightly different tactics this campaign. He told Nikkan Sports: "There may be times when I participate in the build-up and connect with everyone to attack.

"There may also be times when I get away with one chance. I want to be prepared to respond to any of them."

Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill is confident Celtic can now go on and secure the Scottish Premiership title after last weekend's big win over Rangers.

Rodgers' side secured a derby day victory at Ibrox to ensure his side are four points clear of their rivals heading into the international break.

O'Neill was delighted with the result and performance by his former side and he now believes the victory has given Celtic a platform to go on and improve.

Speaking to Ladbrokes Fanzone, O'Neill said: "That was a big result for Celtic at the weekend... a good result for Brendan in particular, too. When you look at the circumstances in which he left the football club, not every Celtic fan was best pleased with the reappointment of him. But matches like that can work absolute wonders for a manager trying to cement their place back in the hearts of the fans.

"But that win against Rangers is huge in the title race, even this early in the season. As for Rangers... what a bad couple of days for them; getting knocked out of Champions League qualifying, in terms of prestige it's bad enough, but also the finance side of things, it's a huge blow to them. Celtic have the upper hand over them in that respect, and they're four points clear of them in the league - Celtic should be able to go on and win that title now, you would expect."

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