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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Kyogo set for international wilderness return as Japan turn to forgotten hero

Celtic star Kyogo could be set for his first international call-up for Japan in a year for this month's World Cup qualifiers.

The Hoops star won the last of his 21 caps against Myanmar a year ago, but has been snubbed by boss Hajime Moriyasu since then.

However, Japan have major problems in their strikeforce for this month's qualifiers against Indonesia and China.

Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda is currently sidelined and unlikely to make the game, while Blackburn Rovers hitman Yuki Ohashi is off form having gone seven games without a goal.


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And reports in Japan have indicated Moriyasu will turn to Kyogo for the games.

The manager said: "From what I gather, Ayase Ueda has a hamstring injury and won't make the matches "I see it as an opportunity for new talent in the squad. There are players I have been watching who can make an impact in these games instead."

Japan already have Celtic stars Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate in the squad, although the midfielder has been left frustrated recently after travelling almost 30,000 miles to link up with the Japan squad since June...only to not kick a ball for them.

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