Fearful Charlie Nicholas reckons Kyogo and Reo Hatate's national team snubs could cost his former team in the long run.
Eyebrows were raised both in Scotland and in the Land of the Rising Sun after Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu once again overlooked the Celtic pair for upcoming international matches. And the World Cup manager's hint the standard of the Scottish Premiership played a part has the 60–year–old fearing the worst over the Japan double act who are like to duke it out to be named player of the year.
Nicholas belives Moriyasu's stance is wrong, however, he thinks the ongoing snub will likely have transfer implications in the coming years. Speaking to the Express, he said: "Japan snubbing of Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate for upcoming friendlies might be good for Celtic in the short-term - but it could well cost my old team two of their stars. That is my long-term fear. Will Kyogo and Hatate become frustrated if they are continually overlooked by their national side?
"Both are passionate about their country and are terrific ambassadors for Japan. They, of course, want to play for their national side, so I worry this could lead to them maybe feeling they have to quit Scotland to move on to a bigger league if they are to fulfil their ambitions.
"However, I am mystified with the way Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has seemingly canned the pair. It really is a big surprise, as I regularly watch Hatate and Kyogo. I mean, why did he have them in his squad before the World Cup? He looked happy with them but then left the duo behind for Qatar. While he seems to have faith in another Celtic star, Daizen Maeda - which is understandable - he now appears to have dismissed Hatate and Kyogo as squad members. As the coach, he has the right to make those calls - and he'll know his squad much better than I do. But I find it strange as I reckon Hatate and Kyogo have improved as players under Ange Postecoglou since joining up with him at Celtic.
"So, if Japan coach Moriyasu doesn't think they are good enough, what level do they need to get to? Of course, as a huge fan of both, I think they should be in his squad. Yes, I realise Japan did well in terms of their set-up at the World Cup - but Kyogo and Hatate would offer them so much more quality. Maybe the coach prefers to play defensively and hit on the counter.
"It must be frustrating for the duo, though, as they've maintained high standards at Celtic, so it can only be the perceived weakness of our league that is holding them back. I understand that because there is a huge gap between the Old Firm and the rest of our top division. And, remember, Celtic and Rangers didn't do brilliantly in Europe this season, so that is another negative against our league. The thing is, you can only beat what is put in front of you. I hope the Japanese coach gets in touch with Ange, though, to discuss the situation because, as it stands, it doesn't look particularly good for Kyogo or Hatate under Moriyasu."
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