The numbers behind Kyogo Furuhashi's impressive Celtic…

The numbers behind Kyogo Furuhashi's impressive Celtic career as star closes in on half century mark

Kyogo Furuhashi has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Celtic 18 months ago and his on pitch stats back it up.

The Japan international - virtually unknown to Scottish football fans at the time - was one of the first additions to the Ange Postecoglou rebuild at Parkhead after making the move from Vissel Kobe. He has a huge admirer in the shape of Barcelona and Spain hero Andres Iniesta, probably the first real clue of the gem the Hoops had just snapped up.

He hit the ground running and despite a campaign that was hit with an injury that ruled him out for an extended period, he managed to notch an impressive 20 goals and quickly establish himself as a fans' favourite. His sublime double in the Premier Sports Cup Final - now branded as the Viaplay Cup - won him his first medal in the hoops with the recapture of the Premiership crown from Rangers quickly following that up.

Fast forward to this season and he has already bettered last season's tally. Another goal in the big weekend win over St Johnstone takes him to an impressive 22 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions. Incredibly, 19 of those strikes come in just 23 Premiership outings, with his one low point, if you can call it that, being his blank in the Champions League.

His red-hot from since the World Cup return has witnessed a stunning 11 goals and two assists in just 12 matches to bring his tally for his time in Glasgow to an incredible 42 goals in just 65 appearances. He was the shock omission from the Japan World Cup squad but his numbers don't lie and you would put your money on a swift return to the international scene next time around.

On his current run you would not put it past him smashing beyond the 30 mark for the season and the half century mark for Celtic by the end of the campaign. That would bring an average over two seasons of at least 25 goals per season if he was to do it. The phrase 'money well spent' springs to mind.

It's not just his 90 minutes on the park but his actions off it, post-match celebrations and his overall attitude that has endeared him to the Parkhead faithful.

At 28, he is now entering arguably the peak of his powers. On his current run you wouldn't put it past Ange to be planning behind the scenes to tie him down even longer than his current terms that expire in 2025.

Treble hopes are still alive and kicking for Celtic this term. A nine point lead at the top of the Premiership and a League Cup Final with Rangers at Hampden in less than three weeks' time.

Throw in the Scottish Cup - the one they missed out on last year - and there is plenty to play for and you can bet Kyogo will play a major role in any success that comes the way of the Scottish champions.