KYOGO FURUHASHI was perhaps a surprise omission from the Japan World Cup squad.

The forward was left out alongside team-mates Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.

Daizen Maeda was the only member of the Japanese Celtic contingent to make the final squad for the tournament.

Kyogo, 27, has 11 goals for Celtic from 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

But despite his impressive goalscoring form Hajime Moriyasu did not select him for the Samurai Blue World Cup squad.

And Japan legend Shoji Jo has explained there are a number of factors contributing to his squad omission.

Firstly, Jo conceded Kyogo has been unable to perform to even 50 per cent of his ability he has shown at Celtic.

But it's not all his fault, according to the 35-times capped forward. Instead, Jo detailed the lack of passer in the Japan set-up to allow Kyogo to flourish.

Speaking to AS.com, Jo said: "Furuhashi has played very well for Celtic this season. 

"However, when it comes to the Japan team, he has not been able to give even 50% of the performance that he has in Scotland. 

"The reason is that there is no passer in the selection that can put Furuhashi in advantageous situations."

It comes as Celtic are reportedly interested in a January transfer move for South Korea striker Cho Gue-sung.

It's claimed Parkhead chiefs are interested in a move for the World Cup star who scored a headed double against Ghana for his country.

The Scottish Sun report Gue-sung is wanted by a host of European clubs in the upcoming January window.

Gue-sung, 24, came off the bench in his country's World Cup opener where they played out a goalless draw with Uruguay.

But he was in from the start against Ghana where he netted a brace despite his side falling to a 3-2 defeat in Qatar.

And Postecoglou has previously stated he will continue to scour the Asian market for value signings.

He said: "Asia is seen as the other side of the world and there is a historical tendency to only look at Europe and South America because they are seen as the strong football continents.

"But if you look at the Bundesliga, there have been some fantastic Japanese footballers there.

"So I do think other nations don't take as much notice as they perhaps should.

"As Asia and North America get more attention, it will become even more attractive as a market."

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