Celtic handed 'massive' Kyogo boost and Rangers are 'rattled' - McAvennie
Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi can deliver a "massive blow" to Rangers even if he doesn't play in April's Old Firm games.
That's according to former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the striker's imminent return.
Furuhashi, 27, is out with a hamstring injury and has seen just 15 minutes of action since the beginning of December 2021.
But, as quoted by the Glasgow Times on Monday (21 March), the Japanese striker revealed, “I am in very good condition and feel I will be back soon.”
Hoops icon Frank McAvennie told this site last Friday (18 March) that Kyogo will return for April’s three games against Rangers, as per “people who know.”
He now claims Furuhashi can deliver a mental blow to Rangers without even stepping onto the pitch in those Old Firm games.
"Celtic's strikers have been doing so well," McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
"Even without Kyogo, Giakoumakis and Maeda have been doing the business.
"It still looks like he will be back for these games against Rangers and that is brilliant for us.
"Just having him there will rattle Rangers a bit. They will know he's ready, waiting on the bench for his moment.
"That will be a massive blow to that team because their defence has been far from solid recently."
Kyogo netted 16 goals and supplied five assists in 26 appearances before his injury.
Celtic face Rangers in their first match back after the international break next Sunday (3 April).