By Frank McAvennie

20th Mar, 2023 | 3:02pm

Celtic idol suggests 'next Henrik Larsson' will dazzle for Hoops in Champions League next season

Frank McAvennie has backed Kyogo Furuhashi to excel in the Champions League for Celtic next season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker agreed with comparisons to former Celt Henrik Larsson.

The 28-year-old netted his 26th goal of the season against Hearts in the Scottish Cup quarter final on 11 March.

Last month (23 February), as quoted by The Celtic Way, former Celtic striker John Hartson who played alongside Larsson likened Kyogo to the Hoops legend.

Hartson said his former strike partner would always be in the right place and feed of the second balls and believes the Japan international “seems to be gambling like Henrik did”.

Although Hartson was full of praise for the current striker’s goal tally, he added that if he was not scoring 20 goals a season then he is “not doing his job right”.

When asked if he agrees with comparisons between Kyogo and Larsson, McAvennie told Football Insider: “He has got the same sharpness, the same pace, the same composure.

“I think next year he will do it in the Champions League. That is where you have got to do it. He has missed a couple of chances but I have got a feeling he is going to be strong in it.

“He just wants to learn. His movement is different class which is great for the midfielders. Players do not know whether to go to him which creates space in the midfield, that is why it is working.“

In other news, expert gives verdict on Celtic star duo joining Premier League club after confirmed news.