Kyogo Furuhashi says he can score 30 goals for Celtic this season - if he can stay fit.
The Japanese star hit 20 in all competitions last term but was out injured for three months. Kyogo has now bagged two in his last two Premiership games and has set his sights on 30 by next May.
Ahead of today’s clash with Hearts at Celtic Park, the 27-year-old said: “In terms of my condition right now, I feel really good. I think you can already see us expressing the type of football we want to play.
“In terms of goals, firstly I have to score at least 20. Then, if I can participate in all the games, I would like to have 25 then 30 goals in the season.
“I’m happy with two so far that have contributed to wins for the team. I know that I get lots of opportunities but I’m also thinking about what I can do more to help the team.”
Ominously for the rest of the league, Furuhashi has started the season in terrific form. He’s proved to be an excellent signing for gaffer Ange Postecoglou who plucked him from J-League outfit Vissel Kobe last summer.
After securing the Premiership title last season, Celtic and Kyogo will get a crack at the Champions League group stage and he can’t wait for Thursday’s draw.
He said: “Who do I want to play? I could say the names of lots of teams - Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool - wow!
“There are so many great teams in the competition. I’d love to play in these games for Celtic and create goals.
“But the most important thing is that, whoever we get, we play our football and achieve victories.
“Everyone is excited about playing in the Champions League, both collectively and individually as players.
“Playing in these games is how you grow as a team and we’ll have to prepare in the best way possible. When those days come it will be great but until then we have to focus on the other challenges we have.”
Postecoglou’s side have won their first three league fixtures with relative ease but Kyogo insists they can still get better.
The front man said: “We had last season with the manager so we already understand what we have to do and what we want to do.
“With new signings in the group we have a good synergy and atmosphere in the team.
“We’ve played three games and we’re already playing the football that makes it tough for our opponents.
“But I’m still not satisfied! We’d like to improve our football because we’ve also made some mistakes.
“We want to show what we’re capable of and make our fans happy.”
Kyogo is certainly happy in Scotland a year after making the move from Japan. And he’s hinted that he’d be open to staying at Celtic beyond his current contract which runs until 2025.
He said: “All the people in Glasgow recognise me and I’m happy to be here because the people always support me with their comments and ask for pictures.
“I like playing football here and making people happy, giving them a reason to smile. That motivates me to always give 100 percent for the team.
“Last year I spent a lot of time in my flat but I’ve not started to go out because I like to meet people and communicate with them.
“I’ve been going out, not only in Glasgow but other places too. I’ve been to Edinburgh but I want to visit the Harry Potter bridge because it looks nice and I haven’t been yet!”
READ NEXT
