Brendan Rodgers won’t stand in anyone’s way if their heart desires to leave Celtic – but he hasn’t spotted any trouble in Kyogo Furuhashi.
Atlanta United have been linked with the Japanese forward this transfer window, even after Major League Soccer apologized for wrongly reporting that the Georgian club had bought him from the Hoops.
Furuhashi took his Celtic tally to 85 with a brace in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Ross County, but some observers noted he lacked his usual enthusiasm during the celebrations.
At the age of 29 and with three-and-a-half seasons in Glasgow behind him, speculation is that Furuhashi could be ready to explore pastures new.
Rodgers is prepared to face the consequences if a big-money offer comes in for any of his players.
“I think the biggest thing is if a player doesn’t want to be here then go,” said the Northern Irishman. And then it’s at that point, then the club has to get the best deal possible. So I never see the point of keeping someone who doesn’t want to be here.
“But I think that for us, they are all eventualities. We prepare for this, be it injuries or transfers. You should always be ready and that is our message.
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Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton praised Celtic’s Kyogo after an impressive performance against Ross County
“But for him (Kyogo) at this point in time, he’s happy, he’s working well, he’s scoring goals and he’s enjoying his football.
“People always look at something – ‘he didn’t party enough or he didn’t do this or he didn’t do that.’
“I see him every day, I see his work, I see his intensity. And maybe he scores so much that he doesn’t have to celebrate crazy all the time. Or maybe it was too cold. But he’s the same guy. .
“But there’s always speculation and we’re not afraid of speculation and rumours. So there’s always going to be bits and pieces around him.”
Furuhashi was fitted into a wider position at Dingwall which left Adam Idah as a centre-forward. With Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma and potentially Daizen Maeda back in the squad for Tuesday’s Premiership clash at Dundee – live on Sky Sports – One of the center forwards may drop out.
Idah would probably be favorites to lose after 11 games without scoring, but Rodgers insists he is happy with the Irishman’s performances.
“I was really pleased with his contribution,” Rodgers said. “I don’t need my striker to score 40 goals a season, I really don’t. If you look at any of my teams, the goals are always scattered. What I need is for the players to be intense, to be aggressive. .
Tuesday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m
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“There were some great moments for him at the weekend. Yes, he didn’t get his goal, but he was there, making vital contributions, creating play for us, allowing other players to attack space. He’s working hard, very difficult, adam.
“I think it’s one of those, it’s going to come down to him at some point. But if we’re scoring four goals and your striker doesn’t score, then you’re going to accept it.”
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers explains what is surprising him about his players as he looks ahead to Tuesday’s game against Dundee, live on Sky Sports.
Johnny Kenny replaced Idah from the bench for his Celtic debut after scoring 25 goals on loan for Shamrock Rovers.
Rodgers will assess whether to keep the 21-year-old Irishman at the club or send him back on loan for more experience, having impressed with his strength, enthusiasm and work-rate at Dingwall.
“We will continue to monitor him and then it’s the next decision. Will he stay and be a part, or does he still need more time on loan?
“But at the moment, I have been very pleased. He showed a wonderful enthusiasm for football and for working and he has done very well. And I can see, 25 meters away, he is a really, really great finisher good.”
