McAvennie makes ‘big’ Furuhashi claim ahead of Celtic clash after ‘absolute nightmare’ journey
Frank McAvennie is delighted Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi barely featured for Japan over the international break.
The Parkhead icon, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the Hoops striker’s lack of game time.
Furuhashi, 26, only played 43 minutes for his country during November’s international break.
He twice failed to score as Japan won 1-0 in both of their World Cup qualifiers against Vietnam and Oman.
Celtic face a League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone on Saturday as Ange Postecoglou looks to make his first final with the club.
McAvennie insists Celtic have the best version of Furuhashi available ahead of a huge run of games.
“We have some big games coming up,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“These long journeys, they can be an absolute nightmare if they aren’t done properly.
“These days, the players will have a cabin on the plane with a bed and entertainment.
“I’m certain Kyogo will be well-rested ahead of the weekend. It’s the time difference that will kill you.
“The club will have ways of dealing with that, he’s not the first player to regularly travel halfway around the world on a regular basis.
“But him not running himself into the ground for Japan is certainly a boost for us.
“It means we have his best version available, which is big news.”
Celtic are looking to beat the current holders of the Scottish League Cup to progress to the final.
The Hoops had won the trophy for four years in a row until St Johnstone’s triumph last season.
In other news, Celtic could lose up to £9m on a senior duo as they are told to sell ‘at any price’.