Kyogo praises two Celtic players as striker reveals he played through pain barrier against Hibs
CELTIC striker Kyogo Furuhashi insists there was no way he was missing Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final against Hibernian after struggling for fitness in the build-up to the showpiece event.
The Japanese forward picked up an injury against Real Betis in the Europa League earlier this month but was fit in time to start at Hampden.
It proved crucial as the 26-year-old scored both of his team’s goals as Celtic came from behind to claim the first silverware of the season – and the first trophy of Ange Postecoglou’s reign.
Kyogo was subbed off with around 10 minutes left to play at the national stadium as his manager decided not to risk a full 90 minutes – with the summer signing admitting that he played through the pain barrier to get his first winner’s medal at Celtic.
“You want to be a footballer and play football for days like yesterday, to be part of these moments when all our hard work comes together and we get the rewards through this kind of success,” he told the club’s website.
“I thought we deserved the win and to come out on top with the trophy we are just all really happy.
???? “It is just a brilliant feeling to be part of this team and win my first trophy with Celtic and I am delighted for everyone at the club, the manager, our staff and all our supporters.” ????@Kyogo_Furuhashi is so glad to win this trophy for the fans. ????????⤵️@CelticFCJPN ????????
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 20, 2021
“It is just a brilliant feeling to be part of this team and win my first trophy with Celtic and I am delighted for everyone at the club, the manager, our staff and all our supporters.
“I wasn’t 100 per cent going into the match after the injury but I just had to play. I had to! I could not miss it. I knew what an important match it was for us all and I wanted to be part of it and give as much as I could.”
The quick thinking of Kyogo turned Sunday’s match in Celtic’s favour as the striker twice capitalised on some hesitant defending from Hibs to bag a brace – but he was quick to heap praise on his team-mates for spotting his darting runs forward.
“After we went behind in the match it was really important to get back into the game quickly and thankfully that’s what we did, immediately really,” he added.
“That then gave us the opportunity to go again and try and fight to get the win.
“It’s nice to score the goals but everything we do, we do it together as a team and I need to say that the passes I received from Callum [McGregor] and Tom [Rogic] were fantastic.
“I know it is my job to find the net but any forward needs support and to receive great assists like that makes my job a bit easier.
“So this win is about every one of us at the club working hard together and doing all we can to bring our fans success. We are glad we did and hope our fans enjoyed the day as much as we did.”
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