Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has opened up on his omission from the Japan national team squad.

Both the forward and midfielder Reo Hatate were not selected by manager Hajime Moriyasu for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Colombia.

Daizen Maeda ended up being the only Parkhead player chosen to represent Japan for the fixtures.

However, the 28-year-old is not letting the setback get to him.

Speaking to Japanese outlet Nikkan Gendai, he said: "As an individual, I still have a long way to go. After all, there is no future unless I climb the small stairs one by one.

"I am not thinking about the next Japan national team, and I am concentrating on the next match for Celtic.

"There have been games where Daizen has played as a centre forward (at Celtic), so I don’t think I have any guarantee of being a starting lineup. I think it's similar situation

"I just want to clear 20 goals in the league and aim for a high goal of 25 or 30. In every game, there are more chances and there are many situations where I have to score."

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Kyogo has also been praised by former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Japan international was left frustrated during this season's competition after being unable to convert any of his chances in the group stages.

Ange Postecoglou's side finished bottom of their section which contained Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, McAvennie feels the 28-year-old will be able to take his game to another level in Europe next season.

He told Football Insider: "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."

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