THE REO THING

Player of season contender Kyogo insists pal Hatate should be in running too

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT

A GRACIOUS bow of the head tells you everything about Kyogo Furuhashi.

The mere suggestion that he's a leading contender to be Scotland's Player of the Year is met with the kind of humility he's become renowned for since arriving at Celtic.

But of course he'll be on the shortlist. He has to be. The Japanese striker has scored 22 goals in 34 games already this season.

On current form, he looks certain to smash through the 30-goal barrier before May. But with Kyogo, it's not just about goals.

The 28-year-old has been a revelation at Parkhead for more than just sticking the ball in the back of the net. It's his unassuming attitude. And his relentless work-rate, which involves hounding tired opposition defenders into mistakes.

Along with countryman Reo Hatate, Kyogo has lit up Celtic Park from the minute Ange Postecoglou signed him.